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posted July 18, 2008 at 18:02 in Tennis Free Picks

Amersfoort, The Netherlands – Tennis betting this weekend is heating up with four ATP tournaments entering the semi-final round. The online tennis wagering community has a great opportunity to bet on some exciting players as they vie for a berth in the final. The Dutch Open Tennis is one such tournament serving up standout sports betting matchups with good value. Here is a look at the final four in Amersfoort.

Tennis Betting Line: Marc Gicquel vs. Steve Darcis

Match Time: 06:00 AM Eastern Time, Saturday July 19, 2008

Tennis Analysis: No. 52 Marc Gicquel of France has had a good run in Amersfoort to reach his second semi-final at an ATP level tournament. This year has not been a particularly good year for Gicquel. He had a slow start to the season with few encouraging results. Contesting both main and lower circuit events, Gicquel’s year only improved slightly last month when he reached the final in s’Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. Now in his second Dutch event, he is one victory away from a final berth. Playing in the Netherlands seems to suit him well. Belgian Steve Darcis is the defending champion. He has had a mixed year, amassing a 12-14 mark and picking up one ATP title. In reaching the final four, he improves to 15-14.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Last year, Darcis defeated Gicquel in the first round en route to the title. This year they meet in the semis. This matchup is a tossup as either player has a good chance of advancing. The pressure will be on Darcis – as the defending champion and favourite – to win. I expect he will deliver.

 

Tennis Free Picks: Darcis in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Oscar Hernandez +120 Albert Montanes -160

Match Time: 06:00 AM Eastern Time, Saturday July 19, 2008

Tennis Analysis: In this all-Spanish affair, Oscar Hernandez enters as the underdog. Ranked No.107 in the world, Hernandez has defied the odds to reach the final four in Amersfoort. He opened his campaign against qualifier Denis Matsukevitch, ended Dutch hopes with a victory over Jesse Huta Galung in the second round and beat compatriot Marcel Granollers in the quarters. Now he faces another fellow countryman in No.63 Albert Montanes. Montanes began his run with a victory over Kristof Vliegen. He then topped Pablo Cuevas in the second round and crushed Jose Acasuso in the quarters with a resounding 6-0, 6-2 score. Hernandez enters the semis with a 16-16 mark, while Montanes takes a 18-16 mark. Montanes has the slight edge with a lifetime 2-1 head-to-head lead, having beaten Hernandez recently in Stuttgart. But the victory was close 7-6 (4), 6-4. In 2008, they met twice actually. In Warsaw, Hernandez won 6-3, 6-2.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Surface edge is cancelled out, as both are solid clay courters. The recent loss to Montanes was a close one. As such, avenging that loss is a real possibility. Take the money play.

Tennis Free Picks: Hernandez in straight 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.