posted July 16, 2008 at 17:12 in Tennis Free Picks

Stanford, California – While there are four tournaments on the men’s side, two tournaments on the women’s front are also on offer in the tennis wagering market at BetUS Sportsbook. One of which is the Bank of West Classic. With some of the leading women in tennis competing in Stanford California for this Tier II event, the online tennis betting hamlet has a prime opportunity to speculate on women’s tennis as they come in to form on hard courts, preparing their game for the US Open next month. Here is a look at the tennis wagering lines, currently on offer at BetUS for today’s stellar line-up at the Bank of West Classic.

Tennis Betting Line: Shahar Peer +3 -120 +150 Over 21½ -130 Anna Chakvetadze -3 -120 -200 Under 21½ -110

Match Time: 04:00 PM Eastern Time, Wednesday July 16, 2008

Tennis Analysis: No. 8 Anna Chakvetadze is in a bit of struggle this season to be consistent. Although she picked up one WTA title earlier this year, her 20-13 mark for the season, includes several disappointing stretches in tournament play. Recent months has seen her post some encouraging results, reaching the R16 in Wimbledon and the quarters in s’Hertogenbosch. As the reigning queen in Stanford, she will face many challenges throughout her title defence campaign bidding to dethrone her. In fact, even before her defence campaign is fully underway she is faced with the prospect of stiff opposition in her opening match in the second round in the form of No.25 Shahar Peer. In their four career meetings, Chakvetadze holds the 3-1 edge, but this is the first time they meet this year.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Chakvetadze at -200 is a good play when she is in form mentally and physically. However, with her rather lopsided season she is not sure thing on both points, making her a bit of risky bet. Shahar Peer is a solid power-player who has the ability to upset the defending champion. She is a good money play at +150. This should be a tight match. If Chakvetadze wants to defend her points and keep her ranking this match is a must win for her. A lot is on the line for the young Russian starlet.

Tennis Free Picks: Chakvetadze in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Ai Sugiyama +3 -115 +170 Over 21½ -130 Daniela Hantuchova -3 -125 -220 Under 21½ -110

Match Time: 05:30 PM Eastern Time, Wednesday July 16, 2008

Tennis Analysis: No.12 Daniela Hantuchova is a talented player but at the same time she is known for her emotional fragility on court. Closing out sets and matches tend to be a trial for her and in no uncertain terms, she can be a train wreck. She has the ability to come completely undone on court and lose a match she is winning. Hantuchova reached the semis at the Australian Open where she lost to Ana Ivanovic after leading a set and 2-0 in the second. She brings a 13-8 mark for the year.

No.38 Ai Sugiyama is 33-years-old and entered the tournament with a 17-18 mark for the year. She holds a 5-3 edge over Hantuchova, winning most recently against the Slovak in Miami.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Betting on Hantuchova is as emotional a rollercoaster ride as watching her play a match. But when she is hot she is hot. Her mental fragility notwithstanding she can win this match and I will bet on her to do so.

Tennis Free Picks: Hantuchova in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Serena Williams -7 -125 -1800 Over 18 -110 Michelle Larcher de Brito +7 -115 +750 Under 18 -

Match Time: 10:00 PM Eastern Time, Wednesday July 16, 2008

Tennis Analysis: Serena Williams enters the Bank of West Classic on the heels of her loss to big sis’ in the Wimbledon final. The loss to Venus was only her fourth loss in a season that has seen her notch 31 match-wins and pick up three back-to-back WTA title – Bangalore, Sony Ericsson Open and Charleston.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Whether fair, or not, I have purposely omitted any consideration of No.226 Michelle Larcher de Brito’s odds of winning this match. I mean the line speaks for itself. Doesn’t it. With Serena Williams’ whopping price tag of -1800, there is no room for credence in Brito’s odds.

Tennis Free Picks: Serena Williams in straight sets

So there you have it, a nice short break down for you of some of the exciting tennis betting options available at BetUS Sportsbook. Now that you are all read up, you are ready to start betting on tennis!

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