ATP Tennis Betting: Ernests Gulbis and more in Indian Wells

Indian Wells, California – The men get their turn on Thursday to open the Indian Wells Masters Series tournament and it is with undisguised excitement that we are only a few hours away from that moment. I mean, finally, we get to see another instalment that features the best in the game – from Roger Federer to Rafael Nadal and more. Tennis betting cannot get more exciting than when these two players are in the draw. OF course, we will get to see them in the second round as they each get a bye. So until then, let us look at the first round itinerants, looking to reach the second round and a chance to hobnob with some of the best in their sport. And if they should be so lucky, go on to one up them.

Tennis Betting Line : Arnaud Clement -155 Peter Luczak +115

Match Time: 02:00 PM Eastern Time Thursday March 11, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: The battle of the 30-year-olds in the tournament might not hold a whole lot of appeal for some tennis bettors but there are still angles for profit to be had. Arnaud Clement is the favourite, modestly so at -155. I agree with the market take on this match and I think the price tag is just right, offering a decent payout. Tennis bettors should consider backing Clement here.

Tennis Free Picks: Clement in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Christophe Rochus +185 Philipp Petzschner -250

Match Time: 02:00 PM Eastern Time Thursday March 11, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: The battle between Christophe Rochus and Philipp Petzschner is one of several battles between lightweights in the first round. Christophe Rochus is the underdog and with his form completely absent (0-5 on the season), I can understand why. Petzschner on the other hand is in the positive, but just so at 6-5. He is the better player of the two though so he really should hold his weight in the market. While I will go with Petzschner I have to point out Rochus would not be a bad play. In fact, they met as recently as Zagreb earlier this year where Rochus took it to Petzschner but still lost 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-1. He might reverse that result, which is very reasonable to think so even if he isn’t in perfect form ahead of this tournament.

Tennis Free Picks: Petzschner in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Marco Chiudinelli +185 Ernest Gulbis -250

Match Time: 02:00 PM Eastern Time Thursday March 11, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Gulbis finally won his maiden title a few weeks ago at Delray Beach. Whoopee. Before tennis bettors get ahead of themselves, convinced that by virtue of one title victory he has somehow come of age, I would like to inject a bit of reality. As good as the result was, and I don’t mean to take it away from him, it was but one successful week in a tournament boasting a seriously watered down field. Proceed with caution where Gulbis is concerned.

Having said that, I cannot not say Gulbis is in prime position to take this match and advance into the second round. Yet I have a niggling doubt where he is concerned. I guess too many times a disappointment never a convincing play. In short, I won’t be surprised if Chiudinelli beats him.

Tennis Free Picks: Chiudinelli in three sets