ATP Indian Wells Tennis Betting: Nalbandian in first round action

Indian Wells, California – David Nalbandian, Marcos Daniel and Haracio Zeballos highlight mid-afternoon action at Indian Wells when they open their bids. Nalbandian goes head-to-head against Stefan Koubek, Marcos Daniel takes on Thiemo De Bakker and Horacio Zeballos battles Ricardo Mello. Here is a look at the BetUS tennis betting market currently on offer.

Tennis Betting Line:

Stefan Koubek +3½ Ev +200 21½ O -125 U -115
David Nalbandian -3½ -140 -300 21½ O -125 U -115

First Set Line: Stefan Koubek +150 David Nalbandian -200

Match Time 05:30 PM Eastern Time Friday March 12, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Nalbandian returns to match play at Indian Wells after competing in only one tournament this season. Nalbandian staged his comeback at Buenos Aires where he reached the quarterfinals before withdrawing from the commitment. He also competed in Davis Cup action against last week winning his rubber against Andreas Vinciguerra 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Technically, Nalbandian has yet to lose a match in his comeback. He comes in with a perfect record of 3-0 and takes a 2-0 lifetime edge over Koubek into their first round encounter. As such, he is the favourite at -140 to win outright and most would have him the correct play. Koubek always makes things interesting. Or rather, he tries to. Koubek at +3 ½ Evens is a value pick as is the over 21 ½ -125.

Tennis Betting Line:

Thiemo De Bakker -3½ -125 -275 21½ O -125 U -115
Marcos Daniel +3½ -115 +190 21½ O -125 U -115

First Set Line: Thiemo De Bakker -200 Marcos Daniel +150

Match Time 05:30 PM Eastern Time Friday March 12, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Brazilian Marcos Daniel enters this match as the underdog at +190 while Thiemo De Bakker is listed as the favourite at -275. I can see why the market is cast so. De Bakker has a slight ranking edge over Daniel, as well, he is having a better season to date (only compared to Daniel that is). Having said that Daniel is a veteran and has experience, something De Bakker lacks. This is a big stage and I am not so certain De Bakker will rise to the occasion. Daniel in my opinion is the better play at +190. I would also recommend the over 21 ½ -125 on the totals.

Tennis Betting Line:

Ricardo Mello -2½ -105 -155 22½ O -120 U -120
Horacio Zeballos +2½ -135 +115 22½ O -120 U -120

First Set Line: Ricardo Mello -145 Horacio Zeballos +105

Match Time 06:30 PM Eastern Time Friday March 12, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: This match is wide open and up for grabs. Ricardo Mello enters this match on a ranking disadvantage but as the favourite at -155. He has the better form of the two hence his favourite odds. Mello is 4-3 ahead of his opening round encounter meanwhile, Zeballos is 2-6 on the season. That Zeballos is off form doesn’t mean he will not find form here. On paper, his ranking edge suggests he is the better player. The bookies do not discredit him entirely, listing him at mere +115 underdog odds. Zeballos should win this match in my opinion and I think he is after all the better play.