Posted on 1/18/2008 4:17:32 PM

Women’s Aussie Open Fourth Round Free Picks

By Eric Williams

With the conclusion of the third round – and beginning of the fourth round of women’s matches on tap for today, here are three free Australian Open Picks that will increase every tennis bettors’ bankroll as the 2008 Aussie Open steamrolls toward what promises to be an absolutely entertaining final, no matter which two competitors reach the championship round.

Here is a look at the fourth round matches scheduled for today, followed by my analysis and Sony Ericsson WTA Free Picks.

05:00 PM EST Tennis Odds

Elena Dementieva +300

Maria Sharapova -500

WTA Australian Open Round 4

Analysis: Sharapova is coming off a very solid 6-1, 6-3 win over 2000 Australian Open winner, Lindsay Davenport and holds a career 7-2 record against Dementieva, needing three sets to win just two of those matches. Dementieva, ranked 11th in the world rankings, has never advanced past the fourth round at the Australian Open and should see her tournament come to a quick end in this match.

Tennis Free Picks: Sharapova

05:00 PM EST Tennis Odds

Justine Henin -20000

Su Wei Hsieh +1900

WTA Australian Open Round 4

Analysis: Henin and Wei Hsieh have never played and that’s a good thing for Wei Hsieh who was knocked out of the past two Aussie Opens in the first round. I’ll be shocked if Henin gives up more than four games the entire match.

Tennis Free Picks: Henin … duh

05:00 PM EST Tennis Odds

Nicole Vaidisova +200

Serena Williams -300

WTA Australian Open Round 4

Analysis: Okay tennis bettors, this match should be thrilling at the very least with two of the game’s biggest hitters facing off against each other. While the match may be entertaining, Williams is the likely winner as she holds a 3-0 record over Vaidisova, winning all three matches in 2007.

While I say Williams, a three-time champion at the Australian Open, is going to win this match based on her experience and the fact that she’s healthier than at any time during the 2007 season, I am going on record right now to say that, as soon as Vaidisova’s head catches up with the rest of her physical gifts, she will undoubtedly find herself hoisting the championship trophy at one of the four grand slam events.

Vaidisova did reach the semifinal round at last year’s Australian Open and reminds me a lot of a young Williams who had all the same physical blessings but also need time for her tennis maturation process to kick in. Until then, sit back and enjoy the display of power you’re going to see in this excellent matchup.

Tennis Free Picks: Williams