posted June 12, 2008 at 20:02 EST in Tennis Free Picks

Halle, Germany – While his top ten companions contest the much higher profile tennis betting event at the London’s Queens Club, World No.1 Roger Federer opted to head to Halle, Germany to vie for a fifth title at the Gerry Weber Open. And why wouldn’t he? The playing field is significantly lesser owing to the absence of his two nemeses – Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – amongst several others and owns an enviable unbeaten run at this event at 22 matches. So can Federer continue his grass court winning streak, which currently rests at 56 matches, all the way to the title ceremony or will he lose his first grass court match since winning his first title in Wimbledon during the course of this event?

BetUS is currently taking action on the Gerry Weber Open quarterfinal, here is a look at some choice tennis wagering matchups in the final eight.

Tennis Betting Line: Philipp Kohlschreiber +140 Robin Soderling -180

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time, Friday June 12, 2008

Tennis Prediction: In head-to-heads, Philipp Kohlschreiber has the slightest of edges with a 1-0 lifetime record over Sweden’s Robin Soderling; but the German earned the victory three years ago at s’Hertogenbosch (grass). This is the first time the meet since then, ironically on grass. Kohlschreiber has the added edge with home court advantage. Meanwhile, Soderling has had some encouraging spells this season, namely at the start of his 2008 campaign. Last year, he took Rafael Nadal to five sets in an instant classic at Wimbledon – albeit the match took several days to complete with numerous rain delays interrupting play, but it was sensational none the less. Soderling can be a threat on grass and based on his performance last year and encouraging swings this year I believe he has what it takes to triumph. Even the odds would agree.

Tennis Free Picks: Soderling in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Roger Federer vs. Marcos Baghdatis

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time, Friday June 12, 2008

Tennis Prediction: Baghdatis can give Federer a good match, but I do not expect him to win. Based on his season this year, he is not a player brimming with confidence. True, Federer has had his share of setbacks as well but he is still amongst the best this season. In Halle, he has lifted four titles and has an impeccable grass court record spanning five years. Yes, the grass court season (all three-weeks of it) is short in comparison to the hard court and clay court swings of the tour, but that is no reason to discount his domination of the surface. Federer should win handily.

Tennis Free Picks: Federer in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Nicolas Kiefer vs. Michael Llodra

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time, Friday June 12, 2008

Tennis Prediction: This is an open match in my opinion. Nicolas Kiefer holds home court edge; meanwhile, Llodra is one of the true serve-and-volley players of our time – a style of game highly suited for the luscious lawns of grass court tournaments. With both players equally good on grass, surface edge is cancelled out. Llodra has had a standout season this year winning two ATP titles on hard. He is had a good turnout at the French Open last week. Taking the momentum in Halle, he has reached the final eight. Betting on him to go one better would be a sound play.

Tennis Free Picks: Llodra in three 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.