ABN AMRO Tennis - Nadal Takes Center Court

Rotterdam, Netherlands – Day 2 of the tennis betting lines on their matchups.

Nadal returns to Rotterdam to make amends on his 2008 performance that saw him crash in the second round to Andreas Seppi, while Tsonga is making his debut at this event. Both Nadal and Tsonga have already joined the champion’s circle this term: Nadal by nabbing the Australian Open a fortnight ago and Tsonga by seizing the SA Tennis Open last week. They each boast impressive records to date (Nadal 9-1 and Tsonga 12-2) and fine form.

To be sure, high expectations are placed on their shoulders. However, as they are slotted to meet in the quarters, only one player will prove that the expectations were not misplaced (that is should they take their appointed slots opposite each other in the final eight). So as they inexorably draw together, here is a look at the course they will need to navigate in their quarter, beginning with their first round matchups.

Tennis Betting Line: Rafael Nadal -5000 Simone Bolelli +1200

Match Time:05:00 A.M. Eastern Time, Wednesday 10 February 2009

Tennis Betting Analysis: Rafael Nadal opens his tournament against a player that could be tricky. Simone Bolelli has a good hard court game and given his arsenal of shots, he has the tools to make a match of it. Where he lacks though is in confidence. By contrast, Nadal has confidence to spare. As such, this match should fall in line with the marketplace.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Nadal is coming off a doubles loss with partner Ignacio Coll-Riudavets in Rotterdam. It was his first match since winning the Australian Open – his sixth Grand Slam title. Should sports bettors be concerned? Not really. This is Nadal we are talking about and in singles matches, he is one of the toughest players to beat on any surface.

Tennis Free Picks: Nadal in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Jesse Huta Galung +750 Jo Wilfried Tsonga -1800

Match Time:05:00 A.M. Eastern Time, Wednesday 10 February 2009

Tennis Betting Analysis: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made a determined start to his 2009 term. He has made no less than the quarters in four events since the season got underway. Three back-to-back quarter appearances in Brisbane, Sydney and Australian Open were capped off by winning the title in Johannesburg last week. Tsonga arrives in Rotterdam with an enviable 12-2 mark.

Tsonga opens his tournament against a local favourite in [WC] Jesse Huta Galung. The No.177 ranked Dutchman is appearing in his first event of the season (simply because he does not rank high enough to receive direct entry into the main draw).

Tennis Betting Verdict: On paper, this match would appear to be a wipeout for the Dutchman. Tsonga is in formidable form, boosted by a title victory. That all said, there is one slight handicap against Tsonga – jetlag. Travel from South Africa to Europe can be taxing. Jetlag together with home edge for the Dutch wild card could conspire against the big man Tsonga – but it would be a long shot bet. Tsonga should persevere.

Tennis Free Picks: Tsonga in three sets

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