Djokovic’s Second Round Match – Dubai Tennis Championships

Dubai, UAE – As the second round line-up took shape at the Dubai Tennis Championships, some interesting matchups were confirmed. What is potentially more exciting for online sports bettors though are the possible quarterfinal matchups that would result from these second round encounters.

Top seed Novak Djokovic rolled into the second round easily with a straight set win over Flavio Cipolla. Next up for him is Jan Hernych who stunned Mikhail Youzhny in the first round. Nearby, fifth seed Marin Cilic, the hottest rising star on the ATP tour gets set for his second round opponent Julien Benneteau. If the two seeds hold their weight in the marketplace they will collide in the quarters for a blockbuster showdown most BetOnline Sportsbook members cannot wait for to happen.

Tennis Betting Line: Novak Djokovic -2500         Jan Hernych     +900

Match time: 11:30 A.M. Eastern Time Wednesday 25 February 2009

Tennis Betting Analysis: The head-to-head series is tied 1-1. Djokovic beat Hernych as recently as last week when they collided, ironically, in the R16 in Marseille. It wasn’t the performance one would have expected of the world No.3 though as he just squeaked by No.66 Hernych in tight straight sets 7-5, 6-4. Djokovic has not been wondrous this season. His 2009 campaign is underwhelming so far by his standards. He is 9-4 for the season, which includes a semi appearance in Sydeny and Marseille and a quarterfinal appearance at the Aussie Open. His only blemish a first round exit at Brisbane. Djokovic has a chance to shine in Dubai with both Nadal and Federer injured and out of action.

Tennis Free Picks: Djokovic in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Julien Benneteau +275         Marin Cilic     -450

Match time: 05:00 A.M. Eastern Time Wednesday 25 February 2009

Tennis Betting Analysis: Marin Cilic is causing quite a stir in the tennis-betting marketplace. The young Croat is one of the fastest rising stars on the tour this season and he has the results to back up the hype. He won in Chennai and Zagreb. He also reached the R16 at the Aussie Open. Cilic has lost only one match so far and brings a 14-1 mark into the second round. No.45 Julien Benneteau has very little to bring to the table. He is 6-5 on the season coming into the second round. His best performances to date were back-to-back quarterfinals in Rotterdam and Marseille. Only should he play the match of his life would he be able to beat Cilic.

Tennis Free Picks: Cilic in straight sets

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