Brasil Open Second Round Betting: Bellucci and Granollers in action

Costa Do Sauipe, Brazil – The Brasil Open 2010 is underway but with a muted draw compared to some seasons past. Nevertheless, Brazilians fans have something to cheer about as their best hope for the title Thomaz Bellucci boosted his chances on home soil with a title win in Santiago last week. The up-and-coming Brazilian sensation Bellucci beat a formidable clay-court player in Juan Monaco on Sunday to pick up his second career title.

Joining Bellucci in the draw is former World No.2 Juan Carlos Ferrero, ranked No.22 and Alberto Montanes, No.28, in the world. Clay-court guru, Russian Igor Andreev is also in the mix along with Victor Hanescu. Some dark horse players to spot: Frederico Gil Fabio Fognini and Marcel Granollers.

Tennis Betting Line: Thomaz Bellucci -600 Daniel Gimeno Traver +350
Match Time: Not Before 3:00 PM Eastern time Thursday February 11, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Thomaz Bellucci enters the Brasil Open with a 9-3 mark on the season and one title. The Brazilian has gotten his term off to a strong start and in winning the Movistar Open last week, beating defending champion Fernando Gonzalez and former finalist Juan Monaco en route to the title, he cemented his credibility as the player to watch during the South American clay court swing. Might as well as mark him as the dark horse for the upcoming European clay-court swing.

Tennis Free Picks: Given current form, ranking edge and home edge, Bellucci has to be the correct pick in this match. Bellucci in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Marcel Granollers -155 Fabio Fognini +115
Match Time: Not Before 3:00 PM Eastern time Thursday February 11, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Marcel Granollers and Fabio Fognini set up an interesting second round clash at the Brasil Open. Granollers, if you remember, beat Robin Soderling at the Aussie Open R128 in a sensational five set marathon. He didn’t make the victory count as he went out in the second round to Alejandro Falla, his compatriot in straight sets. Last week in Santiago, Granollers reached the quarters wherein he lost to Fernando Gonzalez. He improved to 5-3 on the season with a victory against Horacio Zeballos in the first round. He takes a 1-0 lifetime edge over No. 57 Fognini, having beaten the Italian in Acapulco last year. Speaking of Fabio Fognini, he enjoyed one memorable run last season when he reached the Monte Carlo Masters quarters (l. to Andy Murray). He has a significant ranking edge over his opposite, Granollers who ranks No. 105 in the world. However, going against Fognini is a negative mark on the season. In fact, prior to his opening round match in Brasil, he had not won a match in three attempts.

Tennis Free Picks: Granollers in three sets