posted July 1, 2008 at 19:21 in Tennis Free Picks

London, England – The second week of Wimbledon betting is upon us. Currently running in men’s tennis wagering action at BetUS are tennis odds on the final eight in the championships. Heading up the stellar card for tomorrow’s instalment of tennis gambling is five-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer who is gunning for a historic sixth title. Standing in his way is Mario Ancic of Croatia, the last player to own a victory against Federer on grass, ironically enough at this very tournament – the 2002 Wimbledon championships. So how will this sports gambling matchup play out at the close of the tennis betting markets tomorrow? Here is a breakdown of this very exciting matchup, complete with tennis prediction, verdict and free picks.

Tennis Betting Line:

Roger Federer -7 -135 -2500 Over 31½ -120

Mario Ancic +7 -105 +900 Under 31½ -120

Match Time: 07:00 AM Eastern time, Wednesday July 2, 2008

Analysis: This is Federer’s toughest contest to date at the 2008 Wimbledon championships. Inching closer to his very own history at Wimbledon – a place only he should occupy should he win a sixth consecutive Wimbledon title, the pressure on the Swiss is monumental. On the line is a 63-match-win record on the grass, ironically a streak that began after suffering his last defeat to the very same player to challenge him in the quarterfinal tomorrow. The notion that his streak – ergo his hope of a sixth Wimbledon title – could end by the stroke of the very same racquet off of which his streak began – is so potent that the betting trend on this match is seriously divided.

Tennis Prediction: Federer owns a 5-1 record against Mario Ancic, the last victory came at Roland Garros last month in the R32. Lifetime, they met twice on grass. In fact, both times were at Wimbledon. The first match went the way of Ancic in 2002. In 2006, they met in the quarterfinal at Wimbledon where Federer avenged his loss 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. So in this re-match of their 2006 final eight encounter, will Federer the odds makers’ steep favourite (-2500) persevere or will Ancic (+900) cause the biggest upset of the tournament thus far by dethroning the reigning King?

Tennis Betting Verdict: If you are looking for a money play then Ancic is the bet to make in this matchup. He is a real threat to Federer’s six-peat bid at Wimbledon. Through the course of the championships, he has been on fire, displaying some exceptional grass court tennis. However, the handicap going against the Croatian is his five-set battle against Fernando Verdasco in the fourth round, a match that went to 13-11 in the fifth set. Ancic will have to make a shockingly swift recovery from that epic match. This is not to say he will be a pushover. Far from it, he will bring his best against Federer tomorrow. Nevertheless, Federer – especially on grass – is a different beast entirely. Regardless whether his star shines as brightly as it did over the last four years Wimbledon means a lot to him and I still maintain he will reach the final movement at Wimbledon.

Tennis Free Pick: For long shot pushers take Ancic. The money play is too good to ignore. For myself, I still like Federer to advance in four sets.

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