Posted on 10/16/2007 8:25:36 PM

Tennis Betting: Madrid Masters Series Second Round Picks

By Nila Amerova

Madrid, Spain – BetUS Sportsbook is offering odds on the ATP Masters Series in Madrid. Check out the tennis odds for the exciting second round match ups and start making money betting on tennis.

The ATP Masters Series is in the second round. Defending champion and No.1 Roger Federer was one of the first to confirm his spot in the third round when he advanced with a straight set victory over Robby Ginepri.

With many matches still to play in the second round, namely Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Fernando Gonzalez, here are some tennis picks for the second round in Madrid.

Tennis Line: Marcos Baghdatis +425 Rafael Nadal -800

Match Time: 05:00 AM EST

Tennis Prediction: This match marks No.2 Rafael Nadal’s first match since the 2007 US Open, where his knee tendonitis problem was clearly visible. Nadal has had well over a month to rest and try to regain some of the form that made him so fearless earlier this year.

Nadal arrives into this match with a comfortable 3-0 lead against No. 22 Marcos Baghdatis, winning the most recent match on hard in three sets 3-6 6-2 6-3 (Dubai, 2007).

Baghdatis will prove to be a huge test for Nadal’s debut in Madrid. At +425 underdog odds, Baghdatis holds a lot of value, particularly if he were to orchestrate the upset. Banking on his odds would payout just over four times the wager!! Not bad at all.

Strengthening Baghdatis’ odds is a solid record for the season at 41/19, which includes one ATP title. On hard, Baghdatis should have a bit of an edge over Nadal, who prefers clay.

Nevertheless, while Nadal is not playing on his favorite surface, he is playing on home turf - an advantage which more than makes up for any disadvantages his game may have on hard. Moreover, Nadal has made great strides in his hard court game.

Add to that a solid record over Baghdatis, a record for the season at 62/11, which includes six titles, Nadal at -800 is the better play.

Tennis Free Pick: Nadal in straight sets.

Federer might be winning everything except clay these days, but with online sports betting in the BetUS.com Sportsbook, betting on tennis has never been so exciting! Join the BetUS.com online sportsbook today and start using the latest tennis lines, odds and props to earn cold, hard cash!

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