2009 Men’s US Open Odds – The Contenders and Pretenders

While the state of American men’s tennis is in the process of rebounding and rebuilding its once prestigious world standing in the sport, the game itself, and the ATP in particular, are flourishing like never before.

Now, with the start of the 2009 U.S. Open upon us, BetOnline tennis betting enthusiasts can break the bank, not only with some solid wagering throughout the course of the tournament, but by picking the correct winner before it ever gets underway.

This look at the contenders and pretenders for the 2009 U.S. Open title will point avid tennis sports betting aficionados in the right direction toward making both, winning tournament-long wagers and this bankroll-boosting pre-tournament wager.

With the biggest tennis tournament on U.S. soil about to get underway, let’s get started.

Contenders: One of these guys will win it all!

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Roger Federer +110

Are you kidding me? Federer at +110 is a tennis bettor’s dream. If you like him to win, then now’s the time to jump on him with a pick right here.

Rafael Nadal +450

Yeah Rafa’s a contender, but he’s not gonna’ win BetOnline tennis bettors. First of all, Nadal ‘s worst surface is hard courts and secondly, his game, due to his time off because of knee tendonitis, is not where it needs to be in order for him to really have a chance at winning.

Novak Djokovic +800

While Djokovic clearly has enough game to beat any payer in the world, if you’ve seen him play lately, then you’ll know that he is dealing with his share of issues between the ears. Even though Djokovic has already won one grand slam title, I can see his still needs to shake off the immaturity that can often cost him in big matches.

Andrew Murray +250

Murray has got the mental part of the game down and undeniably is one of the best shot-makers on the tour, likely second to only Federer. I’ll say it right now – Murray is going to win a grand slam very soon – and it could be here after losing to Federer in last year’s final following a dramatic and draining 6-2, 7-6, 4-6, 6-4 semifinal victory over Nadal. The young Scot is also a very, very wise wager at +250.

Juan Martin Del Potro +800

Del Potro, one of my favorite players on tour, is closing in on a grand slam title quickly and certainly has a legitimate shot here. The 6-6 Argentine has a big serve, solid strokes on both wings and the mental part of his game has improved to the point where he can beat any player in the world on any given day.

Andy Roddick +800

Say what you want about Andy Roddick, but I say he’s got the heart of a lion. That’s right, any player that has lost three grand slam finals at Wimbledon to Roger Federer and won his only grand slam title way back in 2003 when he won the U.S. Open, but has continued to fight – and improve – despite what his multitude of detractors say, is okay with me.

Roddick lost to Federer in this year’s Wimbledon, but put on a show in an epic battle that convincingly delivered a message to every other top ten player that Roddick is no longer just a big server and not much more.

Roddick’s ground strokes have become much more accurate and his use of the backhand slice has become a weapon, not to mention the big Texan’s willingness to move forward and finish plays inside the service box or at the net. At +800, Roddick may be the best play on the board for a guy that could actually win it all.

Pretenders: These guys are good, but not good enough to win this year’s U.S. Open title.

Nikolay Davydenko +5000

James Blake +10000

Tommy Haas +8000

Gael Monfils +10000

Marin Cilic +8000

Fernando Gonzalez +8000

Robin Soderling +6500

Dark horse

Jo Wilfried Tsonga +2500

This guy is a legitimate contender and my dark horse pick – even before he shocked Roger Federer with a third-set tie-break, coming all the way back from down 5-1 to win 7-6, 1-6, 7-6 (3).

Tsonga has a game suited for hard courts with his big serve and powerful forehand that he hits extremely well from both sides of the court. When healthy, Tsonga can beat any player in the world.

Semifinals

I’m going with a quartet of Federer, Tsonga, Roddick and Murray and I’m sticking to my guns even though most people wouldn’t pick Jo-Willie to go so far.

Final: With Federer and Roddick likely meeting in one semifinal match and Murray and Tsonga meeting in the other, I’m going with Federer and Murray to reenact their 2008 U.S. Open final and just like last year’s outcome, I’m going with Roger Federer, this time to win his unprecedented sixth consecutive U.S. Open title.

Winner: Roger Federer

2009 Women’s US Open Odds – Dementieva, Venus on Crash Course to Finals?

The start of the upcoming 2009 U.S. Open brings along with it, a multitude of opportunities to increase the BetOnline betting bankroll with some wise wagering on both the thrilling WTA matches that will take place throughout the tournament and this pre-tournament WTA pick on the outright winner.

This in-depth look at the contenders – and pretenders – for this year’s U.S. Open will point avid tennis fans in the right direction toward making the right pick if your looking to get in on the action.

Contenders: Each player in this group of ladies undoubtedly has what it takes to take home the 2009 U.S. Open trophy.

Serena Williams +175

Yup, she’s the odds-on-favorite to win her second straight U.S. Open title – and at +175, Serena is offering such absolutely outstanding value, that tennis bettors everywhere need to lay down some cash on her, like right now!

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Jelena Jankovic +1400

Jankovic has looked very good lately after a challenging start to the year in which she had to shed some pounds after packing some on prior to the start of the 2009 season for added power. Now that Jankovic’s nearly unmatched movement has returned, she’s back to being a legitimate contender.

Venus Williams +400

Venus Williams, who has the fastest serve on record at all four Grand Slam tournaments, is undoubtedly a threat to win this year’s U.S. Open despite the fact that she hasn’t won a grand slam outside of Wimbledon since way back in 2001 – when she won the U.S. Open. Williams is long overdue to win another grand slam title and she just could get it this time around.

Dinara Safina +900

She’s got the power to hang with both Williams sisters and plenty of game with her solid ground strokes. It’s too bad that Safina keeps coming up small at the worst possible moment – like the three consecutive grand slam finals she’s lost.

Elena Dementieva +750

Dementieva gave Serena all she could handle at Wimbledon, failing to win despite having one match point in what turned out to be an absolute thriller. While Dementieva doesn’t have much of a serve, she is rock-solid in every other part of her game and is arguably the fastest player on the WTA tour.

Svetlana Kuznetsova +1600

I love Kuznetsova’s diversified game – and the 2009 French Open winner has the game to win on any surface except grass it seems where she has never been past the quarterfinal round. At +1600 Kuznetsova may be the best wager on the board for a player that can actually take home this year’s hardware. By the way, lest anyone forget, Kuzy won the U.S, Open back in 2004, beating countrywoman Dementieva 6-3, 7-5 when both were just kids.

Kim Clijsters +800

Clijsters in back in full effect after returning from a nearly two-year retirement and she clearly still has plenty of game. I wouldn’t be shocked at all to see Clijsters make a very strong run here, particularly since she won her only grand slam title at this event back in 2005.

Pretenders: Each of these players has ‘game’ but aren’t ready to take home a grand slam title just yet.

Maria Sharapova +700

Ana Ivanovic +2000

Vera Zvonareva +2000

Agniezka Radwanska +6500

Caroline Wozniacki +2500

Samantha Stosur +3000

Alize Cornet +15000

Nadia Petrova +8000

Amelie Mauresmo +8000

Dark Horse

Victoria Azarenka +900

I keep telling my tennis-playing family and friends that it’s just a matter of time before Azarenka wins a grand slam title. I love the young Belarusian’s game and unlike many of the younger players that face the Williams sisters or some other top 5 players, Azarenka isn’t scared of anyone. She’s got the power to play with anyone and the fire in her belly to win a grand slam title or two at some point in the very near future.

Semifinals: I like Jankovic and Dementieva to meet in one semifinal match while Venus and Serena go at it in the other semifinal match.

Why tournament organizers continue to put the sisters on the same side of the draw is beyond me – but it’s foolish nevertheless.

Final: I like Elena Dementieva and Venus Williams to meet in the finals as sister Serena fall in another epic battle with big sis and Dementieva overcomes Jankovic with her more punishing forehand.

Winner: Venus Williams

U.S. Open – Sizing Up the Highest Seeds

I doubt there are many people who aren’t looking for someone who is among the highest seeded players to make it to the finals of the U.S. Open. We’re going to take a capsule look at those players ranked in the top ten and seeded as such who will be competing beginning today from Flushing Meadow. The odds as posted at BetOnline Sportsbook appear next to their names, and the U.S. Open seed is in parentheses.

(1) Roger Federer +110

– Current Ranking: 1, Highest Ranking: 1

The world’s #1 player has won 61 career titles, including three Australian Open titles, six Wimbledon titles, one French Open title and the last five U.S. Open titles. His 15 Grand Slam titles are the most of any male player. Federer’s career match record in Grand Slams is an amazing 182-26, and it is 143-8 since 2004. What else can you say? This guy is the king until he says otherwise.

(2) Andy Murray +250

– Current Ranking: 2, Highest Ranking: 2

Murray has won 13 singles titles, including no less than seven in the last twelve months, but never a major. The best finish he has had in a Grand Slam was his spot in the 2008 U.S. Open finals, where he lost 6–2, 7–5, 6–2 to Roger Federer. Murray got to the semi-finals at Wimbledon earlier this year before losing to Andy Roddick, who he had beaten to win an early event in Qatar.

(3) Rafael Nadal +450

– Current ranking: 3, Highest Ranking: 1

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Has 36 career singles titles, including four French Open titles, one Wimbledon title and one Australian Open title. He also won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics. Nadal’s best finish in the U.S. Open was a semi-final appearance in 2008. His match record in Grand Slams is 90-15. Nadal sat out Wimbledon this year with tendinitis in both knees, and has come back to play in a few tournaments, though he dropped a spot in the rankings. He has scored 13 career wins against Roger Federer, beating him in five of the seven Grand Slam finals where they have faced each other.

(4) Novak Djokovic +800

– Current Ranking: 4, Highest Ranking: 4

He has won 13 singles titles in his career, and is the winner of the 2008 Australian Open. Djokovic won a bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics. He was a finalist in the 2007 U.S. Open, where he lost to Roger Federer 7-6, 7-6, 6-4. Djokovic has won five events this year, and has beaten each of the top three seeds – Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal – in tournament finals in 2009, making him very dangerous.

(5) Andy Roddick +800

– Current Ranking: 5, Highest Ranking: 1

Roddick has 27 career singles titles to his credit, and this three-time Wimbledon finalist has captured one Grand Slam title, which was the U.S. Open in 2003. He made the final at Flushing Meadow in 2006, but other than that, his best U.S. Open showing was getting to the quarterfinals. He’s got a career 104-33 record in Grand Slam competition, and has won 33 of 41 matches at the U.S. Open.

(6) Juan Martin Del Potro +800

– Current Ranking: 6, Highest Ranking: 5

Del Potro is the winner of six career singles titles, and got into the semi-finals of the French Open this year. He got to the U.S. Open quarterfinals last year. He has an 18-7 record in Grand Slams the last two years.

(7) Jo Wilfried Tsonga +2500

– Current Ranking: 7, Highest Ranking: 6

Tsonga has won only four career singles titles, and got to the finals of the 2008 Australian Open, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. He’s only played six matches at the U.S. Open, and has advanced to the third round of action the last two years.

(8) Nikolay Davydenko +5000

– Current Ranking: 8, Highest Ranking 3

Has won 16 singles titles, and has made four different appearances in Grand Slam semi-finals, though the most recent of those was in 2007. In the U.S. Open, he was a semi-finalist in 2006 and 2007. Last year he got to the fourth round. This year he reached the quarters of the French Open. He was at the center of a major match-fixing investigation in 2007, for which he was ultimately cleared.

(9) Gilles Simon +10000

– Current Ranking: 9, Highest Ranking: 6

Simon captured three of his five career wins last year, and this year he has had his best performances in Grand Slams, getting to the quarters of the Aussie Open and the fourth round at Wimbledon. His career match record in Slams is 21-16.

US Open Free Picks – Roddick begins US Open campaign

Flushing Meadow, New York – The final Grand Slam of the season is upon and while it is doesn’t wrap up the season by any means it does spell the end of the majors of the season. If you are anything like me, you are so stoked that the 2009 US Open is finally underway you can’t wait to get started on the betting. So, to dispel with formalities, let us just get to it.

Tennis Betting Line:

Thiago Alves +9 -140 +1200 29 O -115 U -125

Lleyton Hewitt -9 Ev -5000 29 O -115 U -125

Match Time: Not Before 04:00 P.M. Eastern Time Monday August 31, 2009

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Tennis Betting Verdict: Two-time Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt ( 2001 US Open champion and 2002 Wimbledon champion) begins his campaign against Thiago Alves of Brazil. Hewitt is enjoying an encouraging season after suffering a hip injury last year and his career being called into question. Hewitt is 28-16 on the season with one title. He has improved his ranking to No.32 after starting the year beyond the top 100. More importantly, he believes, and so do many in tennis circles, that he belongs in the top 20 at least.

Hewitt is coming off a quarterfinal appearance at Cincinnati where he lost to Federer – not that many believed he would win that match still it bears noting he was hobbled at the time with a knee injury and lost easily 3-6, 4-6.

Hewitt enters this match as the huge favourite at -5000. Barring any lingering injuries, he should be a sure play for the win.

Tennis Free Picks: Hewitt in straight sets -5000 | Over 29 -115

Tennis Betting Line:

Andy Roddick -9 Ev -10000 28 O -135 U -105

Bjorn Phau +9 -140 +1800 28 O -135 U -105

Match Time: 08:30 PM. Eastern Time Monday August 31 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Andy Roddick is a massive favourite in this match at -10000. The odds are hardly enticing for tennis bettors but seeing that everyone expects Roddick to sail through this match, easily too, he is the only play. There is really nothing else to say about this match.

Tennis Free Picks: Roddick in straight sets -10000| Under 29 -125

Roger Federer vs. The Field at the 2009 US Open

Flushing Meadow, New York – BetOnline Sportsbook has released specific odds on Roger Federer versus the Field (any other player) at the US Open. The focused tennis betting line opens with Roger Federer at -110 and the Field at -130. At the moment, it is a tight tennis betting line. Barring any seismic upset of Roland Garros proportions, that will certainly move during the fortnight, particularly in Roger Federer’s favour should he negotiate a successful path through the rounds.

There is a school of thought that believes Federer is indomitable. Given Federer’s current form, his recent victory at the Cincinnati Masters, especially how he successively handled Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, and the cakewalk of a draw he received at the 2009 US Open many believe his run to the semis is all but certain – if not the final. In fact, Federer in the eyes of many is a virtual lock for the semis (after all, he has made it to the semis of a Grand Slam over 20 consecutive times and still counting). But is he really a lock this time around?

There is another school of thought that believes he might not be quite as much of a lock as usual despite being in fine form. True, he won the illusive French Open to complete the career Grand Slam and won the Wimbledon title to surpass Pete Sampras in the record books with the most Grand Slams won (15) and picked up the Cincinnati title, but he has still had more than his fair share of bizarre losses this term and has survived many more near-losses.

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Going back to the earlier allusion to an upset of Roland Garros proportions, Soderling is in Federer’s quarter and could be a potential R16 opponent. When Soderling lost to Federer in the Roland Garros final, he warned Federer would not beat him the next time they met. But Federer did at the Wimby quarters. Maybe Soderling didn’t mean the next time but the next after that.

We are just mere moments away from Roger Federer opening his bid for a sixth consecutive US Open title against Devin Britton – an American wild card and NCAA singles champion who was shocked to learn his opening match would be against the maestro. In fact, Britton was disbelieving when he first heard of it but a series of text messages and several compatriots laughing at his fortune in the locker room convinced him it was so.

I was pretty shocked. When Kelly told me I didn’t believe her at first, but then I got 15 text messages in the space of 10 minutes and I knew it was true," he says. "I thought, ‘This is crazy.’ Later, when I walked into the locker room, the American guys – Brendan Evans, Jesse Levine and Robby Ginepri – just started laughing at me. But everyone has been supportive. [ATPWorldTour.com]

Britton, 18, is a University of Mississippi issue. Since going pro, it hasn’t been easy for the promising teenager. He has gone 0-1 in ATP level matches, 0-3 in qualies and 0-1 at both the Challenger and Futures level. It goes without saying his debut at the US Open isn’t going to be a charming experience.

As Federer opens his bid against the unheralded Britton, the tennis betting line Roger Federer vs. the Field becomes active. The question: on which side of the tennis betting line should the tennis bettor throw his lot in? Which school of thought holds more weight?

There is little in recent months to suggest Federer will fall in the early rounds and his draw up to the quarters in non-threatening but I still believe the field is the better play. Federer looks good to make the quarters, maybe even the semis, but in the semis, things could get tricky in the best of five situation against a high calibre opponent. If all goes according to pre-tournament predictions, his path would run through either Novak Djokovic or Andy Roddick (the latter in better form) in the semis; methinks if Roddick is waiting he might have his emotional revenge win over Federer after losing to him so dramatically a the Wimbledon final. It would be a fine exclamation point to that historic five set marathon at the All England Club don’t you think? If Djokovic or Roddick stumble early, then it is Federer all the way to the final. For sure.

US Open Betting – Tursunov, Kohlschreiber in action (Matches Delayed)

Flushing Meadow, New York – Russian Dmitry Tursunov and German Philipp Kohlschreiber are amongst many kicking off the 2009 US Open today. The pair open their bids against dangerous floaters in Marc Gicquel and Andreas Seppi respectively. Here is a look at their upcoming matches.

Tennis Betting Line:

Marc Gicquel -3½ -110 -220 39½ O -125 U -115

Dmitry Tursunov +3½ -130 +170 39½ O -125 U -115

Match Time: Not Before 04:00 P.M. Eastern Time Monday August 31, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Both Dmitry Tursunov and Marc Gicquel have been around for some time on the Tour yet they have never crossed paths at an ATP event, until now that is. Tursunov is a talented player but his day-to-day output does not reflect that talent. He is too inconsistent and unpredictable that he moves from event-to-event oscillating between good to abysmal turnouts. That he is an underwhelming 14-16 on the season but with picking up one title is case-and-point.

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Gicquel is a veteran at 32 but still ranks in the top 100 – a decent accomplishment some would say. This season has been a trial for the Frenchman and he has only tallied a mediocre 17-21 mark. During the US Open series, he totted a 5-4 mark. Not great by any means but he beat some talented (albeit struggling) players along the way in Ernests Gulbis and Victor Troicki.

Having said all this, note that Gicquel, who currently ranks No.81 is favoured to advance into the second round over No.32 Tursunov. The market clearly does not put much stock in Tursunov’s one title this season or his significant ranking edge over Gicquel. And I would agree. Gicquel is the better play in my opinion and I expect he will advance into the second round. But it will be a hard fought battle, just as the totals (over/under) indicates.

Tennis Free Picks: Gicquel in five sets | Over 39 ½ -125

Tennis Betting Line:

Philipp Kohlschreiber -3 -130 -170 40 O -115 U -125

Andreas Seppi +3 -110 +130 40 O -115 U -125

Match Time: Not Before 04:00 P.M. Eastern Time Monday August 31, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Andreas Seppi gave a good account of himself against Rafael Nadal at the Rogers Cup. Nadal is Nadal, and rusty or not he still dispatched Seppi by playing the big points better 7-6(4), 7-6(3). Last week, Seppi competed in New Haven where he lost to eventual champion Fernando Verdasco in the last 16 7-6(3), 6-2). With only two US Open series events under his belt with a 2-2 mark sum total of his turnout and a significant ranking disadvantage to Kohlschreiber, it is not surprise that Seppi enters as the underdog in this matchup.

Kohlschreiber weighs in as the world No.24 player, he is seeded in New York and he takes a 31-18 mark on the season. He is the favourite at -170 to advance into the second round. Yet, Kohlschreiber has not had a particularly encouraging US Open series by his standards. He is a disappointing 1-2 in two events – Canada and Cincinnati Masters.

The fact that Kohlschreiber is seemingly off form leads me to believe Seppi is in with a shot to mastermind the mini upset. At +130 he is a value play. In addition, the mood in the market points to another drawn out battle; take the Over on the totals.

Tennis Free Picks: Seppi in five sets | Over 40 -115

US Open Early Round Betting Tips – The Value Plays

Flushing Meadow, New York – Tennis betting could not be more exciting than it is in the early stages of a Grand Slam. US Open betting in the first round offers a whole host of thrilling matchups and what lies ahead for the sports betting faithful are some competitive tennis odds, tight online wagering matchups and more importantly, great angles for profit.

Here is a look at some of the tennis betting matchups currently available at BetOnline Sportsbook.

Tennis Betting Line:

Simone Bolelli +5½ -140 +225 37½ O -120 U -120

Radek Stepanek -5½ Ev -350 37½ O -120 U -120

Match Time: Not Before 05:30 P.M. Eastern Time Monday August 31, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: No.16 Radek Stepanek and No.68 Simone Bolelli are going to go head-to-head soon for the first time in their careers. Stepanek is a good bet as the favourite at -350. The Czech veteran, 30, is 32-14 on the season with two titles. He had a great start to the season when he won the two titles. Overall, Stepanek has had a steady season with some turnouts better than others have been. Notably, his best summer results were the last 16 at Wimbledon and Cincinnati Masters. Bolelli hasn’t cut it really this season on the ATP. He is an underwhelming 15-18. A glimmer of hope for Bolelli is a last 16 appearance last week in New Haven; however, it must be noted the tournament boasted a watered down field.

Tennis Free Picks: Stepanek -350 in four sets | Under 37 ½ -120

Tennis Betting Line:

Andrey Golubev +5 -115 +185 38½ O Ev U -140

Leonardo Mayer -5 -125 -250 38½ O Ev U -140

Match Time: Not Before 05:30 P.M. Eastern Time Monday August 31, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Leonardo Mayer made some noise during the US Open series when he reached the semis in Los Angeles and the quarters in New Haven. Given these two encouraging performances, the Argentine is certainly a player to watch in these early rounds. If he gets off to a winning start, he has a chance to survive a couple of rounds at least. He opens against Andrey Golubev of Kazakhstan. It is their first career meeting and one that the market feels will go the way of Mayer. Especially as Golubev is having a bum season.

Tennis Free Picks: Mayer in four sets -250| 38 ½ Under -140

U.S. Open Insider – Don’t Sleep on these guys

U.S. OPEN – CAN SOMEONE COME FROM THE FRINGE?

Who might be able to pull a minor surprise at the Open? Let’s look at some players who are outside the top ten seeds who could make some impact – or maybe not – in the U.S. Open, which started today from Flushing Meadows. The BetOnline tennis odds on these players is next to their name, and the tournament seed is in parentheses.

(11) Fernando Gonzalez +8000

– Current Ranking: 11, Highest Ranking: 5

Gonzalez has some power in the right forehand, and when he’s on he’s tough to deal with. This 2008 Olympic silver medalist as far as a final in one Grand Slam tourney, losing to Roger Federer in the 2007 Australian Open. He’s made it to the quarter-finals at least once in every Slam. This year he reached the semis of the French. At Flushing Meadow he got to the quarters in 2002, but has been stopped short of that every year since.

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(12) Robin Soderling +6500

– Current Ranking: 12, Highest Ranking: 11

Soderling has not had a bad year. He won the fourth tournament of his career, a clay court event in Sweden, and in Slams he has done pretty well, getting to the fourth round at Wimbledon and surging to the finals of the French Open, ending Rafael Nadal’s 31-match winning streak at Roland Garros before losing to Federer.

(13) Gael Monfils +10000

– Current Ranking: 13, Highest Ranking: 9

Monfils has won only one event on tour, back in 2005. He made the semis at Roland Garros last year and then got to the fourth round of the U.S. Open.

(16) Marin Cilic +8000

– Current Ranking: 17, Highest Ranking: 13

Cilic has won three titles in his career, but has yet to break through to a semi-final in a Grand Slam tournament. He failed to qualify for the U.S. Open’s main draw in ’06 or ’07, but did get to the third round last year, after beating Novak Djokovic.

(17) Tomas Berdych +12500

– Current Ranking: 18, Highest Ranking: 9

Berdych is a winner of five tour events, but only one of them has been on a hard court. He’s had some success in Slams, making it to the fourth round ten times, with a quarter-final at Wimbledon in 2007. At Flushing Meadow he has reached the fourth round three times, but was eliminated in the first round last year.

(18) David Ferrer +15000

– Current Ranking: 19, Highest Ranking: 4

Ferrer is a winner of seven singles titles, two of them on hard courts. His career record in Grand Slams is 48-26. He made the semi-finals at Flushing Meadow in 2007, and beat Rafael Nadal along the way.

(19) Stanislas Wawrinka +15000

– Current Ranking: 20, Highest Ranking: 9

His only career win came in Croatia three years ago on clay. Wawrinka doesn’t have any semi-final results in Slams to his credit, but he has made it to the fourth round of the U.S. Open the last two years.

(20) Tommy Haas +8000

– Current Ranking: 21, Highest Ranking: 2

Haas has won twelve career tournaments, beating the likes of Jim Courier, Pete Sampras and Andy Roddick to win those events. He won a grass court event in Germany in June, beating Novak Djokovic. He has reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open three times, and was a shocking semi-finalist at Wimbledon this year before losing to Roger Federer. He’s never been beyond the quarter-finals of the U.S. Open.

(21) James Blake +10000

– Current Ranking: 22, Highest Ranking: 4

Blake has won ten tournaments, and all of them have been on hard courts. He hasn’t been particularly strong in the Slams; the best result he’s had is a quarterfinal. He’s actually done that twice at Flushing Meadow – in 2005 and 2006.

(22) Sam Querrey +15000

– Current Ranking: 23, Highest Ranking: 23

About seven months after turning pro, Querrey made it to the third round of the Australian Open. He also made it to the fourth round of last year’s U.S. Open. He won the L.A. Tennis Open this year and is expected to have a breakout sooner or later.

(25) Mardy Fish +15000

– Current Ranking: 26, Highest Ranking: 17

Fish, a three-time winner on tour, has won a silver medal in the Olympics but has reached the quarter-finals of Grand Slams only twice- at the Australian Open in 2007 and the U.S. Open last year. That was the only time he had been beyond two rounds at Flushing Meadow.

NFL Mismatch – Indianapolis Colts vs. Detroit Lions

Indianapolis Colts (1-1 SU & ATS) at Detroit Lions (1-1 SU, 0-2 ATS)

Saturday, August 29

BetOnline NFL Football Betting Odds: INDIANAPOLIS -3, Total 39.5

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Here are some of the NFL pro football betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

• IND has lost nine of its last 12 pre-season games SU
• IND has covered four of its last 12 pre-season games
• IND has covered two of its last seven pre-season road games
• DET has won four of its last five pre-season games SU
• DET has played five of its last six pre-season games UNDER the total
• DET has won four of its last six pre-season home games SU
• DET is 1-4-1 ATS in its last six pre-season home games

The Colts were simply embarrassing in the first pre-season game, gaining just 142 total yards in losing a 13-3 clunker to the Vikings. They managed to rebound with a win over Philadelphia, chalking up 336 yards in a game where Peyton Manning got them off to a quick 14-0 lead. Success in the pre-season is out of character for Indy, which usually takes it pretty easy. But Manning was sharp, completing 10 of 14 passes for two TD’s. Manning has been lobbying for increased playing time. He got it in that game, and that may continue.

Last year the Lions went undefeated in the pre-season then winless during the regular season. This year I thought they would try to be a little more impressive in August to give some confidence to their fans, but that hasn’t really happened. Last year I guess it kind of backfired on them.

It was kind of shameful how they allowed Cleveland, a team that otherwise can’t score, jump to a 20-0 first quarter lead. Detroit was held to less than 300 yards of offense and put the ball on the ground five times. Matthew Stafford looked less than ordinary, throwing for 34 yards (good for just 2.6 yards an attempt) and tossing an interception. It would appear that if there was doubt about who was going to win the starting job, Daunte Culpepper has the lead, after his 10-for-16 showing. Against the Colts, tight end Brandon Pettigrew, the other first-round pick Detroit had (aside from Stafford) will finally get on the field in a game. Dane Looker came into camp last Monday and he contributed with 39 receiving yards. So you can’t say there isn’t a little help.

Indianapolis has clearly shown up the last three years to play the third pre-season game, defeating Atlanta 18-9, Detroit 37-10 and New Orleans 27-14. They can handle an inferior Lions team. We’ll lay the points with the Colts, the three-point favorite in the BetOnline NFL pre-season football betting odds.

JAY’S PLAY: INDIANAPOLIS -3 ***
(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)

Oakland vs. New Orleans – Several Questions still Unanswered

The problems in New Orleans lie in the whole Reggie Bush debate, Drew Brees’ receiving depth and the secondary. For all intents and purposes, everything seems to be A-ok in the Big Easy, especially after dropping 38-points in a victory over the Houston Texans. Yet again, the Saints are the favorites to walk out of the NFC South and in to the playoffs, but this year the pieces look like they’re coming together.

Brees completed 9-of-14 for 87 yards and connected with running-back Pierre Thomas for the Saints lone passing touchdown against Houston. Mike Bell, who you might remember from the eight-headed Denver running-back nightmare, was the big story, rumbling for 100 yards on 10 carries against Houston. If Reggie Bush doesn’t figure out his knee problems, then Pierre Thomas has a legitimate backup.

New Orleans vs. Oakland Raiders

Saturday, August 29th — Alameda County Coliseum — 4:00pm EST

NFL Betting Line: New Orleans -2.5 (41)

For Oakland, the questions they need answered are on the offense. Nobody expects this defense to be sufficient, especially with Oakland sending Derrick Burgess to New England for 40-cents on the dollar. The Raiders ranked in the cellar last year for yards allowed and points against, and I don’t expect any of that to change for the Raiders this year.

The questions they have are more around JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden. Russell is currently beating out Jeff Garcia for the starting job, but his play has been anything but spectacular. Russell had 7-of-11 completed passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. It’s not his power and arm strength that I’m worried about. More so, it’s his ability to complete short, deliberate passes. He’s getting better, but New Orleans front-seven is going to give him a stiffer challenge than San Francisco’s did.

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For Darren McFadden, the only thing getting in his way is the player affectionately known as “Young Hugg”. Yes, I’m referring to Justin Fargas. Fargas is a complete back, and he’s very, very good. But McFadden is Pro-Bowl worthy as far as talent goes. Now that he’s shaken his turf toe issues, McFadden is going to be stealing the majority of carries from Fargas. Will we see more of McFadden against New Orleans? Very likely. Maybe he can show Reggie Bush just how a running-back is supposed to run in the NFL.

That being said, New Orleans is going to slice and dice the secondary in Oakland to shreds. Considering that New Orleans is a road favorite by a preseason point swing of nearly six-points, I’d go with the road team in the OVER as Oakland gains some offensive momentum from playing at home.

Furious Free Pick: New Orleans -2.5 (OVER)

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