Posted on 4/16/2008 3:56:10 PM

Tennis Betting - Estoril Open Second Round Free Picks

By Nila Amerova

Estoril, Portugal – In the top half of the draw, World No.1 Roger Federer advanced into the second round of the Estoril Open when he beat Olivier Rochus of Belgium. But the victory was not such as we have become accustomed to from the imperious Swiss, as Rochus managed to nick a set, stretching him to the limit, before Federer came back to triumph 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.. Federer, who is gunning for his first title of the 2008 season, received top seed at the Estoril Open. Next up for Federer is Victor Hanescu of Romania. A berth in the quarterfinal at stake, bet on Federer as he bids for his first ATP title of the year at the Estoril Open in Portugal.

Tennis Betting Line: Federer vs. Hanescu

Analysis: As seems to be the case more often than not, we have come to expect Federer to vanquish all challengers to fall in his path with effortless ease. It seemed to be that no matter the draw, Federer was destined to carve out a premier position in the final movement of a tournament.

But here we are in the midst of the 2008 season and as Federer begins the European clay-court swing, significantly without a title for the year – having not even reached a final of an event – concern for the Swiss maestro abounds. Now while there are excited proponents – some of whom are players themselves – of the theory of shifting tides/ beginning of the end/ and so forth.... all but anxious to topple Federer from his perch at the top echelon of tennis, foretelling doom and all manner of horrors, I am of the mind that such talk is a little bit premature. Sure he is struggling somewhat, but – lest we forget – Federer has treated us over the years to some spectacular feats! Broken records. Set records. I mean, seriously, is this the way to treat a player, widely held to be the best the game has ever seen? Never mind, this is a diatribe is better suited for another article. For now let us focus on betting on this matchup and without going into a lengthy soliloquy extolling Federer’s virtues, let me just say he is the sure play.

Tennis Free Picks: Federer in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Sousa vs. Gil

Analysis: Very little is known about Joao Sousa of Portugal. The teenager ranks well beyond the Top 500 and is appearing in his first ATP level event this year as a qualifier. He reached the second round after triumphing over qualifier Oliver Marach of Austria. In the second round, he faces compatriot Frederico Gil. Gil currently ranks No.146 in the world and enters the Estoril Open on a wild card. Gil beat Nicolas Mahut in straight sets 6-0, 6-3. Based on tournament performance, Gil is the better play. He beat No.43 Mahut of France – a player who should not have been so easily dismissed.

Tennis Free Picks: Gil in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Gremelmayr vs. Gabashvili

Analysis: I like No.104 Denis Gremelmayr’s chances in this matchup. The German holds a 2-0 edge over No.129 Teimuraz Gabashvili in Qualifiers, Challengers and Future events. This is the first ATP level encounter between the pair, but Gremelmays, who enjoys clay courts, beat fourth seed Jarkko Nieminen in the first round – a player who was favoured to advance. Having notched the first upset of the tournament, Gremelmayr should be full of confidence in his second round match.

Tennis Free Picks: Gremelmayr in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Vanek vs. Berrer

Analysis: No. 96 Jiri Vanek is one of those players on the circuit that spends most of the year contesting clay court tournaments. Clay is his best surface and as such, he enters this match with the deciding edge. Although Michael Berrer ranks higher (No. 66) the veteran from the Czech Republic is the better play.

Tennis Free Picks: Berrer in straight sets

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