in Tennis Free Picks

Rotterdam, Netherlands
February 19-25, 2007
32 Draw
Indoor Hard
First Round – Bottom Half of the Draw

With the First Round of the world class ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament underway, Novak Djokovic is through to the second round  after defeating Florent Serra 7-6(6), 6-4. Also in the bottom half of the draw and through to the next round is wild card Robin Hasse and Qualifier Andrei Pavel.

With the remaining bottom half of the draw still play out, lets take a look at the tennis odds that are shaping up with BetUS.com.

Bottom Half of the Draw:

Prediction: World No. 15 arrives in Rotterdam following a disappointing run at the Open 13 in Marseille, where he lost to Wild Card contender Julien Benneteau in the second round 4-6, 6-0, 6-1. While Ferrer is favored against Rochus, Ferrer trails 0-1 in their head-to-head matchups. However, considering Rochus secured that victory in 2002, Ferrer should have no problems evening up the score.

Pick: Ferrer in two sets

 
Prediction: No. 43 Kristoff Vliegen is a slight underdog to No. 18 Jarkko Nieminen. Vliegen compiled a record of 18-13 on hard court last year and leads 2-0 in their head-to-head matchups, both of which, however, were earned on clay.

The left- handed Jarkko Nieminen plays well on all surfaces and compiled a record of 30-14 on hardcourts in 2006. As both players are almost evenly matched up, this match could go either way.

Pick: Nieminen in three  sets.

Prediction: World No.12 Thomas Berdych is favored against No.22 Mikhail Youzhny. Berdych holds a 2-1 head-to-head record against Youzhny, all of which were hardcourt matches. While Berdych is favored, this could be the match that will even up their head-to-head score.

Mikhail Youzhny has had a good start to his 2007 campaign and most recently reached the quarterfinals at the Open 13, where he lost to Marcos Baghdatis. If his 2007 campaign continues as it has begun, he could prove to be a good bet for the tennis betting enthusiast, particular at the early stages of a tournament.

Pick: While Youzhny is able to win this match, I like the No. 4 seed’s chances to advance. Berdych in three sets.

 
Prediction: World No. 7 Tommy Robredo faces another Lucky Loser at this event, No. 117 Simone Bolelli. Favored against the young Italian, Robredo should have no problems advancing to the second round.

Pick: Robredo in two sets

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

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