posted July 17, 2008 at 18:57 EST in Tennis Free Picks

Amersfoort, The Netherlands – With many of the top elite ATP players resting this week in tennis after giving the online sports betting community a thrilling month and a half of tennis wagering, in particular with betting on the two Grand Slam events – the French Open and Wimbledon – the playing field at the Dutch Open Tennis is significantly weaker. In spite of the connotation, this is not a bad thing for handicappers as in such circumstances when the playing field ranks below the top 50 the tennis betting lines offer some good angles for profit. So here is a look at some of the upcoming matchups in the quarterfinal round at the Dutch Open Tennis.

Tennis Betting Line: Oscar Hernandez vs. Marcel Granollers

Match Time: 06:00 AM Eastern Time, Thursday July 17, 2008

Tennis Analysis: No.107 Oscar Hernandez of Spain is a journeyman player who enjoys a brief emergence during the clay court swings of the ATP tour. At 31-years of age, he is also one of several veterans still active on the main circuit. He arrived in Amersfoort with a 13-16 mark for the year and in reaching the final four, improves to 15-16. His best result was a semi-final appearance in Houston (l. to James Blake). Hernandez also contests events in the lower circuit. His best result was a semi appearance as well. No. 57 Marcel Granollers is another Spaniard who contests clay court tournaments mainly and enjoys the limelight during the clay court swing. He won his maiden ATP title in Houston. Although since then has struggled to replicate his triumphant run. This is the first quarterfinal he reaches since early June in Warsaw. He arrived in Amersfoort with a 12-10 mark for the year and in reaching the quarters improves to 14-10.

Tennis Betting Verdict: In this all-Spanish affair, I expect the outcome to be a bit of a derby. Granollers has won an ATP title and with his season back on track so to speak (reaching the final eight) he should be favoured over his compatriot. Hernandez will give him a good match and with his prowess on the red dirt can upset his younger fellow countryman, but in the end I expect Granollers to persevere.

Tennis Free Picks: Granollers in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Albert Montanes vs. Jose Acasuso

Match Time:06:00 AM Eastern Time, Thursday July 17, 2008

Tennis Analysis: : No. 63 Albert Montanes reaches the quarters of the Dutch Open with a victory over Kristof Vliegen in the first round and Pablo Cuevas in the second. He improves to 16-16 for the year. A natural clay-courter the Spaniard has enjoyed some encouraging outings on the main circuit, most recently he reached the quarters in Stuttgart. His most impressive run was in Barcelona and the ATP Masters Series in Hamburg where he reached the quarters of both. No. 54 Jose Acasuso also enjoyed some good spells during the ATP clay-court swing earlier this year. He arrived in Amersfoort with a 17-16 record for the year and in reaching the final eight he improves to 19-16. He owns a 4-2 edge over Montanes, however, Montanes owns the 2-0 in 2008 having beaten him twice this year.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Montanes holds the 2-0 edge making him the better play for the win. The second victory came just last week in Stuttgart. But as it was a close 6-3, 7-6(5)win Acasuso may very well avenge the loss. In fact, even their previous meeting was a close victory 7-6(3), 6-3 for Montanes.

Tennis Free Picks: Acasuso in three sets

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