US Open Betting / Ben Caudell / 30 August 2010 /

As two weeks of Grand Slam tennis gets under way at Flushing Meadow, Ben Caudell serves up a pair of intriguing opening day bets...

Michael Berrer (GER) v Andreas Beck (GER)

Tonight's all German affair between Michael Berrer ranked 48 in the world and Andreas Beck ranked 104, probably won't be on many punters lists of exciting matches. However, I believe there is value to be had in backing Berrer at [1.65].

Both left handers will be hoping for a reversal of fortunes when they step out to play each other for the first time. Andreas Beck has a terrible run of form coming into this match, 2-8 in all matches and 1-9 on hard courts. He hasn't won a hard court match since October 2009 and it's important to note that Beck, who has a career high ranking of 33 in the world, has a poor record against left-handers (1-5) and fellow countrymen (2-4), compared with Berrer who is (3-3) and (5-1) respectively.

Berrer has played quite well this summer; he took Fernando Verdasco to three sets in the second round of Washington and then defeated Tommy Robredo in his first round match at the Cincinnati Masters. At the U.S Open last year, Berrer made it through three qualifying rounds so he will be familiar with the quickness of the court. He looks more confident than his opponent and I can see him comfortably winning.

Selection: Back Michael Berrer @ [1.65] to win match
Back Berrer 3-1 @ [4.5] (small bet)

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) v Dinara Safina (RUS)

Today's first round match between WTA stalwarts and arch rivals Daniela Hantuchova and Dinara Safina has all the makings of a classic.

These two met only last week in a close fought encounter that was won by Dinara Safina 7-6 7-6. The Russian who also has a 6-3 head-to-head series lead over Slovakian Hantuchova has slumped to a world ranking of 50 after an extremely poor 2010. The former world no.1 and 2008 U.S Open semi finalist will have her work cut out once again tonight as she faces a player who performs well in Grand Slams.

Hantuchova, who is 33-17 at this level, won through three rounds in the 2009 U.S Open before losing to Serena Williams in straight sets and very rarely loses at this early stage in a Grand Slam event.

I can see this match being won by Hantuchova as I believe she has the stronger will to win. Safina will be buoyed by her new found confidence and Hantuchova will be seeking revenge for last week's loss. This match will be close but the value bet is with the Slovakian.

Selection: Back Daniela Hantuchova @ 2.20 to win match

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