posted July 17, 2008 at 17:21 in Tennis Free Picks

Kitzbuhel, Austria – The Austrian Open enters the quarterfinal round and the online tennis betting community has a whole host of tennis wagering choices before them. As the tournament approaches the final movement, the all-important question of who will lift the coveted trophy is almost upon us. So with another exciting weekend of sports wagering in the BetUS Sportsbook approaching, here is a look at the Austrian Open quarterfinal matchups.

Tennis Betting Line: Victor Hanescu vs. Brian Dabul

Match time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time, Friday July 18, 2008

Tennis Analysis: Victor Hanescu rose in rankings when he won the Catella Swedish Open last week from No.80 to No.59. Arriving in Kitzbuhel with a six-match winning streak, he continued his impressive winning ways, pushing through to the quarterfinal round. Now improving to an eight match-winning streak, Hanescu will bid to go one better against Argentine Brian Dabul – a player he has never met at an ATP level event. No.111 Brian Dabul entered the Austrian Open with a 1-2 record on the main circuit. Dabul is more of a permanent fixture on the lower circuit where he has enjoyed some encouraging results, winning one clay court challenger in March and featuring in the semis of three.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Prior to the Catella Swedish Open, Hanescu’s season was hardly noteworthy. In fact, even with his eight consecutive match wins his season is still overshadowed by more match losses than wins. Overall, he is 12-14 for the year so far. However, with his newfound form on clay, the first half of his year may be rendered insignificant. Based on his last two weeks of tournament action he is on a roll and a good play to continue his winning ways.

Tennis Free Picks: Hanescu in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Eduardo Schwank vs. Potito Starace

Match time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time, Friday July 18, 2008

Tennis Analysis: Prior to a push to the Mercedes Cup semis last week, No. 58 Eduardo Schwank did not have a noteworthy season on the main circuit. However, on the lower circuit, he won three challenger events back-to-back and finished runner-up in the fourth. Very promising results indeed, as his ranking went up (cracked the top 100) allowing him to participate in more main events. No. 61 Potito Starace started the year modestly well, but after a month or so, his season went on a downward spiral. Last week in Bastad, he reached the quarters and this week in Kitzbuhel, he reaches another quarterfinal round. Can he go one better?

Tennis Betting Verdict: This matchup is a close one as either player has a good chance of reaching the semis. For most of the year, neither player enjoyed encouraging results on the main circuit. However, during the ATP’s brief return to clay, both have benefited, finding their game and some confidence to win matches. In the end, Dabul has the better clay court game and the balance tips in favour of him

Tennis Free Picks: Dabul in three sets

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