in Tennis Articles

MONTE CARLO, Monaco – The third day of the Monte Carlo Masters Series wrapped up with Novak Djokovic improving his year to date win/loss record to 26/5, when he defeated Gaston Gaudio 6-1, 3-6, 6-1; Rafael Nadal successfully extending his winning streak on clay to 63 matches, when he defeated Juan Ignacio Chela in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1; and Ivan Ljubicic squeezing through to the next round in a close 7-6(6), 7-6(5) victory over Radek Stepanek.

The biggest upsets of the day came in the form of No. 4 Nikolay Davydenko and No. 5 Fernando Gonzalez, who crashed out of the tournament in three-set losses. Davydenko lost a 4-6, 7-6(6) 3-6 loss to Robin Soderling and Gonzalez lost 2-6, 6-2, 3-6 to Igor Andreev.

With day four of the tournament on the horizon, let us take a look at the third-round BetUS.com sportsbook.

Top half of the draw:

Tennis Prediction: Despite a rather tough victory in the second round against Andrea Seppi, No.1 Roger Federer should prove to be too much Hyung Taik Lee. Look for an easier victory for Roger Federer at -4000 in the third round.

Tennis Free Picks: Federer advances to the quarterfinals in straight sets.

Tennis Prediction: The third-round matchup of No. 16 David Ferrer and No. 7 Novak Djokovic should prove to be interesting. Ferrer holds the slightest of advantages against Djokovic on clay and as such at +195, he is a good bet for the upset.

Although Novak Djokovic is the hottest player on the tour, with a 26/5 YTD win/loss record, he seemed to lose concentration and let the second set slip away in his second-round matchup against Gaston Gaudio. While he did finally claim the victory in the third set, he will not fare as well against Ferrer should he suffer another momentary lapse in concentration!

Tennis Free Picks: While Djokovic is the favorite, I m going to go on a limb and pick Ferrer for the upset.

Tennis Prediction: Perhaps the most evenly matched pair in the third round, this match could go the way of either player. Taking into consideration Igor Andreev’s great second-round victory against Fernando Gonzalez, I like his odds against Ferrero.

Tennis Free Picks: Igor Andreev to advance in three sets to the quarterfinals.

Tennis Prediction: Following a tough match against Radek Stepanek in the second round, Ivan Ljubicic should have an easier match against Richard Gasquet, barring fatigue or injuries.

Tennis Free Picks: Ivan Ljubicic for the victory in straight sets.

Federer might be winning everything these days, but with online sports betting in the tennis lines, odds and props to earn cold, hard cash!

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