posted May 8, 2008 at 18:50 EST in Tennis Articles

Rome, Italy –The quarterfinal matchup between Novak Djokovic and Nicolas Almagro at the ATP Masters Series in Rome, open for online betting at BetUS Sportsbook, is quite a stellar billing – though most sports bettors may not be as well acquainted with Almagro as they are with Djokovic. So to help the online tennis betting hamlet at BetUS Sportsbook in placing a tennis wager on this matchup, here is a quick breakdown of the matchup, including the tennis betting line, a head-to-head analysis and a tennis free pick.

Tennis Betting Line: Novak Djokovic -180 Nicolas Almagro +140

Match Time: 07:00 AM Eastern Time Friday May 9, 2008

Head-to-Head Analysis: The only time Novak Djokovic and Nicolas Almagro met was on the Qualifier, Challengers and Futures circuit. The match is now over four years old – contested in Manerbio, Italy on clay. Almagro nicked the victory in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. Their quarterfinal clash in the final eight in Rome is their first meeting at an ATP-level event.

Novak Djokovic (-180): The 20-year-old Serbian sensation Novak Djokovic has enjoyed a quick ascent in the ATP rankings, owing to his prowess on all surfaces that saw him post impressive results in tournament play over the last two years. Winner of the Australian Open and Indian Wells this year, as his championship credentials mount, so do his odds. Currently ranked No.3 in the World, Djokovic arrived in Rome with a 20-5 mark for the year; in reaching the final eight, he improves to 22-5.

Djokovic enters this match as the favourite tipped at -180; however, unlike the two previous rounds, he is not the steep favourite, but rather modestly tipped on the favourite plane. Few bettors would bet against him, but when a money line does not see him as an outright favourite, it follows there must be credence to his challenger’s game that would cause him to be so conservatively favoured.

Nicolas Almagro +140 The advantage Almagro has over Djokovic is a clay-court game that could knock him off his stride. Almagro arrived in Rome with a 25-8 mark for the year, the bulk of which consists of match wins on clay highlighted by two clay court titles won in Costa do Sauipe and Acapulco. Another advantage Almagro has is an extra day of rest, as by the withdrawal of Fernando Gonzalez in the R16, Almagro enters the final eight on a walkover.

Betting Verdict: So the question is whether Almagro can take the clay court game, which has seen him win in lesser tournaments, and bring it on a more high-profile stage, especially against a high profile player. This will be a real test of Almagro’s mental fortitude. There is no doubt he is a clay court aficionado. Having already topped a Top 10 player in the second round, he is clearly capable of big wins. But as the stakes get higher can he continue the momentum? After watching Djokovic battle for the victory over Igor Andreev in three sets, I was not impressed with his form. Almagro, on the other hand, was impressive against Mo.7 Nalbandian. What the heck. I like this underdog and I think betting on him can prove to be the winning bet.

Tennis Free Picks: Almagro 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.