Momentum Builders Querrey and Verdasco hoping for China Open success

Beijing, China – Tennis betting on the China Open features some of the tours most exciting players this season. American Sam Querrey and Spaniard Fernando Verdasco have enjoyed a great 2008 – particularly the summer term. Both reached career high rankings of No. 11, on July 21 for Verdasco, and No. 38, on May 12 for Querrey. They each won one ATP title this year – for Querrey it was extra special being his maiden victory. And they achieved a personal best Grand Slam result: Verdasco made back-to-back R16 appearances at the French Open and Wimbledon while Querrey made his first-ever R16 at the US Open.

Querrey and Verdasco are just some of the players who promise to make betting on the China Open interesting as either could shake up his quarter of the draw and challenge for the title on Sunday. Here is a look at their first round matchups.

Tennis Betting Line: Sam Querrey -350 Jesse Levine +225

Match Time: 11:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday September 22, 2008

Tennis Betting Verdict: In this all-American affair, No. 39 Sam Querrey is favoured. He ranks in the top 50, he brings a 26-22 mark for the season that includes one ATP title, and he made the long-awaited breakthrough in reaching the R16 at the US Open. His reward was a Davis Cup call of duty to play against Spain in the semis, replacing James Blake who withdrew from the USA team citing fatigue as the cause of his inability.

Many facets to Sam Querrey’s game make him a great play. Since last year, he has worked hard to improve his overall game, fitness and endurance, and finally he is reaping the rewards. His 2008 highlights include winning his first title in Las Vegas in March (beating Kevin Anderson in the final), reaching the quarters of the ATP Masters Monte Carlo (l. Novak Djokovic) and the semis in Indianapolis (l. to Gilles Simon).

The only handicap against Querrey is the fact that he competed for the USA in their Davis Cup semis tie against Spain over the weekend. He may not be as fresh as he would like for this tournament. However, in spite of this concern, he should have no problems against Levine in his opener.

Tennis Free Picks: Querrey in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Fernando Verdasco -350 Bobby Reynolds +225

Match Time: 11:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday September 22, 2008

Tennis Betting Verdict: Fernando Verdasco arrives in Beijing after competing for Spain in Davis Cup. Buoyed by his country’s successful bid for a berth in the Davis Cup final Verdasco should be in high spirits. Also improving his state of mind is a 2-0 edge against Bobby Reynolds. Verdasco beat the American twice in Nottingham (2008) and Wimbledon (2007).

Verdasco takes an encouraging 39-22 mark for the season against No. 84 Bobby Reynolds, a challenger player who hopes to step up his game and hang out with the big boys on the ATP. But an underwhelming 12-15 mark in ATP level play makes Reynolds a long shot bet.

Tennis Free Picks: Verdasco in straight sets

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