posted July 8, 2008 at 18:07 EST in Tennis Free Picks

Bastad, Sweden – Tennis betting action is in full swing at BetUS Sportsbook with four ATP tournaments currently running. At the close of first round tennis wagering action at the Catella Swedish Open, Wimbledon semi-finalist Marat Safin squeaked into the second round with a hard fought victory over Marc Lopez 7-6(4), 6-3. Eighth seed Robin Soderling of Sweden persevered against Fabio Fognini in three sets 6-1, 6-7(4), 7-5 and wild card Ervin Eleskovic edged past Filippo Volandri 6-4, 6-4. With second round matchups already determined, here is a look at some of the tennis wagering opportunities that tennis-betting fanatics can make.

Tennis Betting Line: David Ferrer vs. Boris Pashanski

Tennis Prediction: David Ferrer is without a doubt a clay-court master. The tour’s brief return to the red-dirt favours Ferrer and improves his chances of winning a third title in 2008. 2007 Catella Swedish Open champion Ferrer picked up one clay court title earlier this year in Barcelona and one grass court title in s-Hertogenbosch.

This will be his second career meeting against Boris Pashanski. He beat him last year in Barcelona (clay). Ferrer has been in stellar form this year, especially on clay. He brings a 36-13 mark for the season into his second round encounter.

Tennis Free Picks: Ferrer in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Olivier Rochus vs. Robin Soderling

Tennis Prediction: No. 46 Robin Soderling of Sweden will have a lot of support against Olivier Rochus in the second round. With home court edge and a 3-1 head-to-head record against the No.66 Olivier Rochus of Belgium, Soderling should enter this match up as the odds maker’s favourite. Soderling made it into two ATP finals this year on hard court and went undefeated to lead his country to the World Team Championships title this summer. Soderling has been playing well this season, making him the better play for the win.

Tennis Free Picks: Soderling in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Steve Darcis vs. Jarkko Nieminen

Tennis Prediction: This is the first career meeting between No.55 Steve Darcis of Belgium and No.30 Jarkko Nieminen of Finland. Darcis entered the draw with a 11-13 mark for the year; meanwhile, Nieminen arrived with a 14-17 mark. Both players have lost more matches than they won. However, the one exception is Darcis, in spite of his losing record in 2008, won a title. Darcis enjoyed a triumphant run in Memphis, beating Robin Soderling in the final.

Tennis Free Picks: Darcis 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.