posted May 26, 2008 at 15:31 EST in Tennis Betting Trends

Paris, France – The online tennis betting hamlet has a whole host of first round sports betting action at the French Open to look forward to in the tennis betting market at BetUS online sportsbook. As all the top players on the ATP and WTA tour prepare to kick off their Grand Slam campaign, what lies ahead for sports bettors are thrilling online betting matchups and great angles for profit. So with the tennis odds currently live at BetUS.com, what sports betting enthusiasts need to help them along with betting on the French Open is some good handicapping. To assist in this, here is a breakdown of some of the upcoming matchups and some tennis free picks, complete with BetUS tennis odds.

Tennis Betting Line:

Juan Carlos Ferrero -1200 Marcos Daniel +600

Juan Carlos Ferrero (1st Set) -700 Marcos Daniel (1st Set) +400

Tennis Prediction: Juan Carlos was simply amazing in Rome against Rafael Nadal. In fairness to Nadal, he did sport some nasty blisters that day, but there is no saying had he been a 100% he would have won – if so, it would have been as tight as the first set which ended in the tie-break. Ferrero’s lone Grand Slam title came on these very tennis courts in Paris five years ago. A great clay-court player, Ferrero is a sure play in his opening round match. His victory should be convincingy, without dropping a set.

Tennis Free Picks: Ferrero in three sets.

Tennis Betting Line:

Lleyton Hewitt -300 Nicolas Mahut +200

Lleyton Hewitt (1st Set) -225 Nicolas Mahut (1st Set) +175

Tennis Prediction: Against the advise of many, Hewitt, who has been sidelined this season with injuries since crashing in the opening round of Miami, has opted to compete in the French Open this year. With many questions hanging over his head, he is a risky bet. In top-form, we would not be considering betting against him at this stage of the tournament. However, Hewitt has seen little action since Miami and none on clay this year. In his first round match he faces Nicolas Mahut of France. While Mahut is not the bookies favourite he will be the crowds fave. With the partisan crowd rooting for one of their own, Hewitt will have a tough match on his hands tomorrow. An upset or a nigh-upset is likely. Should he persevere I do not expect a deep French Open run from the Australian.

Tennis Free Picks: Mahut in four sets

Tennis Betting Line:

Ivo Karlovic -400 Alejandro Falla +250

Ivo Karlovic (1st Set) -275 Alejandro Falla (1st set) +190

Tennis Prediction: Although Ivo Karlovic’s 2008 campaign pales in comparison to his season last year, at -400 favourite odds he is a good pick in this match. Alejandro Falla can be a tricky player, but he has had a relatively quiet season, especially on clay – a surface he favours. Falla enters the main draw, weighing in beyond the top 100 and holding a 4-4 mark for the season. Frankly, Karlovic should have no trouble acing Falla out of the match.

Tennis Free Picks: Karlovic in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line:

Igor Andreev -250 Potito Starace +185

Igor Andreev (1st Set) -175 Potito Starace (1st Set)

Tennis Prediction: Everyone knows how good Igor Andreev is on clay. Not for nothing do they call him the guru on the red-dirt, but to see his results one would not know it. Inconsistency plagues the young Russian who typically enjoys a see-saw season. However, Paris has a tendency to bring out the best in him. Last year he ousted Andy Roddick in the opening match. This year, Andreev enters as the 27th seed. His opening match is against Potito Starace—who can be dangerous on clay. Nevertheless, at -250 favourite odds, I expect the Russian to pull through in four sets.

Tennis Free Picks: Andreev in four sets

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

BetUS Sportsbook is taking action on the French Open with the men’s French Open Futures. Check out the futures odds and start betting on the second Grand Slam of the year now!