Swedish Open Picks - Cibulkova and Dulko for a Spot in the Semis

Bastad, Sweden – Second seed Dominika Cibulkova has punched at her weight class at the Swedish Open and come through on her favourite status to reach the quarters. In the second round, Cibulkova was most impressive against Nuria Llagostera Vives, dispatching the seasoned Spaniard and clay courter 6-1, 6-1. Next up for Cibulkova is a revived Gisella Dulko who ousted fifth seed Sorana Cirstea, a 2009 French Open quarterfinalist. Dulko had to battle for her victory, needing all three sets to persevere against the market hot Cirstea 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(5).

Elsewhere, in the bottom half of the draw, Carla Suarez Navarro and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez advanced into the quarters, to set up an all-Spanish affair.

Here is a look at the two quarterfinals set for Thursday July 9 as tennis betting continues at BetUS Sportsbook.

Tennis Betting Line:  Carla Suarez Navarro  -160         Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez     +120
Match Time: 05:00 A.M. Eastern Time Thursday July 9 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: The spunky Carla Suarez Navarro who accounted for one of the biggest upsets earlier this year when she dumped Venus Williams in the second round of the Aussie Open, enters this match as the favourite at -160. Her current price is likely as good as it will get before tomorrow’s encounter. More importantly, there is value in her market price as she takes a 2-0 edge over Martinez Sanchez, which includes victories on both hard and clay, into the match.

Tennis Free Picks: Carla Suarez Navarro in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line:  Dominika Cibulkova vs. Gisela Dulko
Match Time: 05:00 A.M. Eastern Time Thursday July 9 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Dominika Cibulkova is a firecracker and a player to watch in the coming years. As the second seed of the tournament, she is one of the favourites to emerge out of the bottom half of the draw and challenge for the title. She got her tournament off to a slow start, needing three sets in her opening match against wild card entrant Sandra Roma of Sweden.  But she was on form in the second round when she dispatched Llagostera Vives 6-1, 6-1. There is a lot of value in taking Cibulkova for the win.

Gisela Dulko outlasted Sorana Cirstea in a three setter today to set up the quarterfinal clash against Cibulkova. The Argentine is better than her current ranking of No.45 and a real threat on clay. However, she has never beaten Cibulkova on three previous occasions on clay.

Tennis Free Picks: Cibulkova in straight sets