Posted on 3/4/2008 6:49:28 PM

Tennis Odds - Barclay’s Dubai Tennis Championships Picks

By Nila Amerova

Dubai, UAE – After averting the nigh upset in his opener against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany, the second top seed and 2006 Dubai champion Rafael Nadal has an easier second round prospect – on paper at least – in the form of qualifier No.171 Mikhail Ledovskikh of Russia. Also in the bottom half of the draw, vying for a place in the quarterfinal is third seed Novak Djokovic and seventh seed Richard Gasquet. One of the toughest draws on the tour is competing for the title in Dubai and BetUS tennis odds brings the action front-and-centre. You will not want to miss out on all the stellar sports betting action that is shaping up with BetUS!

Here is a look at some of the up-coming second round matchups:

Tennis Betting Line: Richard Gasquet -325 Igor Andreev +210

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time, Wednesday March 5, 2008

Tennis Prediction: No. 8 Richard Gasquet of France –sometimes referred to as ‘Baby Federer’—prepares to face No. 34 Igor Andreev of Russia. Gasquet and Andreev are tied 3-3 lifetime; the two most recent victories came this year and went the way of Gasquet. Holding a perfect 2-0 record in 2008 over the Russian, the Frenchman’s odds at -325 would appear to be the better play.

However, mini Federer— if you will—is vulnerable in this matchup and unlike the man his pet name refers to, he lacks stamina and resilience, an ingredient necessary against power players the likes of which is Andreev. On a good day, Andreev can blow past Gasquet. This matchup will pit Andreev’s punishing forehand against Gasquet’s brilliant one-handed backhand, two opposing wings and perhaps the best on the tour!

There is no question Gasquet should win this match, making him the better play; but Andreev will be a tough opponent for the Frenchman and as the underdog, there is value in betting on his odds.

Tennis Free Picks: Andreev in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Mikhail Ledovskikh +1100 Rafael Nadal -4000

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time, Wednesday March 5, 2008

Tennis Prediction: No.2 Rafael Nadal improved to 11/3 for the season with his first round victory over Philip Kohlschreiber of Germany. Nadal was forced to dig deep in his battle from a set down in the first, eventually coming through with the 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory. Not a convincing start for the World No.2 Spaniard in Dubai, but nevertheless a performance true to form, as Nadal is one of the most dogged players on the tour – not unlike his compatriot David Ferrer – and he persevered to remain the highest seed still alive in Dubai.

Favored somewhat by the draw in the second round, Nadal is the odds makers -4000 favorite. Little is known about the Russian Mikhail Ledovskikh, and on paper – there is very little to recommend him on that would make his attractive price tag of +1100 worth the risk. Ledovskikh qualified for Dubai. In Challenger events, his best result – a quarterfinal appearance – came in Wolfsburg, Germany, earlier last month. In short, he is a long shot bet.

Tennis Free Picks: Nadal in straight sets.

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.