U.S. open tennis betting has technically commenced but it’s not too late to make our futures picks. Here’s a look at the top three hottest picks among the men and women right now.

MEN

1.         ROGER FEDERER (2 to 1 at Bodog)

Even if the Swiss Mister is starting to slip ever so slightly at age 29, it’s hard to bet against a man who won five straight times at Flushing Meadows from 2004 to 2008. Federer is beatable of late, having lost to guys like Marcos Baghdatis, Ernests Gulbis and several other surprise victors this season. But Federer has still reached the semi-final or better in 23 straight Grand Slams, so he remains an excellent pick.

2.         RAFAEL NADAL (10 to 3 at Bodog.com)

There’s no one playing better than Nadal this year. He had won five of six tournaments before falling to Andy Murray in Toronto and he already has a pair of Grand Slams to his name in 2010. However, the U.S. open has historically been Rafa’s Achilles’ heel; he’s never even reached the final at Flushing Meadows.

3.         ANDY MURRAY (7 to 2 )

Andy Murray’s Toronto victory makes him a tempting pick, as it’s often a smart sports betting play to ride the hot hand. But Murray is ho-hum at best in his career at the U.S. Open. He was impressive in 2008, beating Nadal en route to the final, but Federer blew him out. He’s never passed the round of 16 aside from that effort.

Free pick: Even though history isn’t on his side, Rafael Nadal is playing so well that I’d advise bettors to take him at that solid value.

WOMEN

1.         KIM CLIJSTERS (10 to 3 )

Clijsters is the consensus top pick and the top choice among the women at this sports betting blog. She’s the defending champion and has three titles already this season. She beat Maria Sharapova, another big U.S. Open favorite, in the final at the Cincinnati Masters.

2.         MARIA SHARAPOVA (9 to 2 )

Anna Kournikova 2.0 she is not. Maria Sharapova is more than just a pretty face and she’s finally starting to show that her nagging shoulder injury is behind her. She has two wins two her name this season and seems to be peaking in time for the U.S. Open.

3.         CAROLINE WOZNIACKI (11 to 2 )

The good: Caroline Wozniacki has played very well this season, winning four tournaments. She also offers pretty solid value at 11 to 2. The bad: she hasn’t yet proven that she can compete in the Grand Slam tournaments. Do you take a chance on her or make her prove herself on the big stage first?

Free pick: Kim Clijsters has the pedigree and is playing well this season. She’s the lower-reward pick but the smart pick nonetheless.