posted January 18, 2008 at 12:04 in Tennis Betting Trends
Tennis Betting – Women’s Singles Australian Open Third Round Picks
Melbourne, Australian – World No.1 Justine Henin kicks off Day five of the Australian Open against top Italian ranked player, No.24 Francesca Schiavone. Henin, the bookies short odds favourite to win the Australian Open title in six meetings has never lost to Schiavone. With the match already underway in Rod Laver Arena, Serbian Jelena Jankovic, the pundit’s dark horse of the tournament (tipped at +1000 to win the Australian Open title) is scheduled to play Virginie Razzano next, followed by Rafael Nadal. With so much tennis betting action available on both the men and women’s singles matchups, here are some tennis free picks to get you started.
Jelena Jankovic -4 -115 -285 Over 20½ -105
Virginie Razzano +4 -125 +195 Under 20½ -135
Match Time: 9PM EST Thursday, 17 January 2008
Tennis Prediction: No.4 Jankovic holds a 1-0 record over No.29 Virginie Razzano of France, having defeated the Frenchwoman last year at the Rogers Cup in Toronto. Jankovic, got off to a slow start at the 2008 Australian Open, and narrowly evaded early elimination in her opening match. In her second round match, Jankovic , who alluded to nerves being a factor in the first round, came back to win her second outing in Melbourne Park a little more convincingly. However, despite advancing into the third round, Jankovic’s form is questionable, as both her victories thus far were scratchy. Against veteran player Razzano, Jankovic—the bookies short odds favourite in this match up tipped at -285—is vulnerable. It could be another occasion where Jankovic escapes a nigh upset, or—dare I say it-- maybe she will not be so lucky? That being said, Jankovic is the better play.
Tennis Free Pick: Jankovic in three sets
Victoria Azarenka +5 -115 +425 Over 18½ -145
Serena Williams -5 -125 -800 Under 18½ +105
Match Time: 9:30 PM EST Thursday, 17 January 2008
Tennis Prediction: Last year’s self-dubbed dangerous floater is being taken a little more seriously this year. Serena is in much better shape and form than she was last year. This is the first time Serena Williams meets up-and-coming Victoria Azarenka from Belarus, the 18-year-old who already at her tender age ranks in the Top 30. While I expect, Azarenka will play her best to prove she can play with the big-hitters, Serena Williams, the Australian Open defending champion should advance into the quarterfinal round with nary a worry.
Tennis Free Pick: Williams in straight sets
Elena Dementieva -2 -125 -145 Over 21½ -140
Shahar Peer +2 -115 +105 Under 21½ EV
Match Time: 11:30 PM EST Thursday, 17 January 2008
Tennis Prediction: No.11 Elena Dementieva holds a 2-1 record over Shahar Peer. Although the last time the two met was in 2006. Peer has since climbed the ranks and cracked the Top 20. Much is expected of the young Peer. Although she is disadvantaged at +105, Peer is the better play.
Tennis Free Pick: Peer in three sets
Elena Vesnina +7 -120 +1200 Over 17½ -115
Maria Sharapova -7 -120 -5000 Under 17½ -125
Match Time: 11:30 PM EST Thursday, 17 January 2008
Tennis Prediction: After missing much of last season with injuries, Maria Sharapova has returned to the WTA tour with a vengeance. Her second round thrashing of former World No.1 Lindsay Davenport sent a message – Sharapova is serious. She will be equally merciless with fellow compatriot No.55 Elena Vesnina.
Tennis Free Pick: Sharapova in straight sets
Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.
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