Wimbledon Day 3 – Federer and Soderling are featured

London, Great Britain – Roger Federer headlines the fourth quarter of the draw. This section of the draw is tough in some respects what with Kohlschreiber and Soderling in the thick of it. But whether pundits deem it tough or not, never seems to make a difference for the maestro any – he is after all on a record run of 20-consecutive Grand Slam semis. Therefore, for most tennis bettors, Federer is the pick to emerge into the quarters. Would be nice to be just done with it with that. But there is still a lot of tennis to be played before the final eight line-up is determined. So here is a look at second round action in this section.

Tennis Betting Line: Robin Soderling -1600 Marcel Granollers +700

Match Time: 07:00 A.M. Eastern Time Wednesday June 24 2009

Tennis Prediction: It is crunch time for the Swede at Wimbledon. Time to prove whether the French Open was a one-off. The question: Will he/won’t he follow up on grass hangs over him. Yet, the bookies seem confident the Swede will punch at his weight class as they list him at a whopping -1600 price tag (can’t say I have ever seen a number that big next to the Swedes name, well not in the minus at least). Residual euphoria over his French Open run methinks. Nevermind. He can play on grass. He did take Nadal to five sets two years ago at Wimbledon. He owns a 1-0 edge over Granollers. He is playing with confidence now. Recipe for success at least in this match.

Tennis Free Picks: Soderling in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Philipp Kohlschreiber -1000 Ivo Minar +500

Match Time: 07:00 A.M. Eastern Time Wednesday June 24 2009

Tennis Prediction: Kohlschreiber has some skills and he plays rather well on all surfaces. He recently reached the semi-final of Halle wherein he lost to compatriot Tommy Haas. Just before the grass court swing kicked off, Kohlschreiber nicked a big scalp when he defeated Djokovic at the French Open third round. He ranks No.32 in the world and takes a 24-12 mark into Wimbledon. Next up is Ivo Minar of the Czech Republic who ranks No.78 in the world and boasts a 3-7 tally on the season. Straightforward methinks.

Tennis Free Picks: Kohlschreiber in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Nicolas Almagro -130 Karol Beck -110

Match Time: 07:00 A.M. Eastern Time Wednesday June 24 2009

Tennis Prediction: Frankly, I am surprised this match is so closely tipped by the bookies. I mean I realise No. 48 Nicolas Almagro is not a grassie and is in danger of falling early. But please, to an unknown like No.143 Karol Beck of Slovakia. A 27-year old who coasts under the radar in the lower circuits and has only a 1-1 mark at the ATP level. Chance. This match is indeed on Almagro’s racquet but I think he has the experience at this level to persevere over a journeyman player.

Tennis Free Picks: Alamgro in four sets

Tennis Betting Line: Guillermo Garcia Lopez +2000 Roger Federer -20000

Match Time: 07:00 A.M. Eastern Time Wednesday June 24 2009

Tennis Prediction: Roger Federer is back into the fold, the firm favourite at a Grand Slam event. He is coming off a French Open victory. He is high on confidence. Things are going well for him. And he is intent on reclaiming his beloved Wimbledon crown after falling to Nadal in the final last year. He kicked off his Wimbledon bid with little fuss. Next up is Guillermo Garcia Lopez of Spain. The No.42 ranked Spaniard has hit a good run of form lately but he is no match for Federer.

Tennis Free Picks: Federer in straight set