Posted on 1/21/2008 5:02:28 PM

Australian Open Wagering – Free Women’s Quarterfinals Picks

By Eric Williams

Tonight’s two women’s quarterfinal matches should turn out to be absolutely electrifying with four of the very best players on the planet going at each other with blazing forehands, (Maria Sharapova), precise, laser-like backhands, (Justine Henin and Jelena Jankovic) and all-out athleticism and raw power, (Serena Williams).

Each match features one finalist from just one year ago, though neither one of those players is guaranteed to win tonight.

Here is a look at both matches, followed by my Australian Open Sony Ericsson Free Picks.

Justine Henin vs. Maria Sharapova

Analysis: BetUS.com tennis bettors will be treated to what should be an absolutely entertaing match as World No. 1 Justine Henin takes on a fully healty World No. 5 Maria Sharapova tonight in this 2008 Australian Open quarterfinal match.

Though Henin holds a career 6-2 record over Sharapova and won this event in 2004, she will be facing a serious threat in Sharapova who may be playing the best tennis of her career at the moment.

Neither player has dropped a set in reaching this match, although Sharapova has dispatched her opponents with a lot more ease, including come-backing American mom and former World No.1 Lindsay Davenport, (6-1, 6-3).

Sharapova was beaten quite handily in last year’s finals by Serena Williams while Henin didn’t compete because of injury, though she did go on to win both, the French Open and U.S. Open last in 2007.

I’m going against the grain and my own conventional wisdom by picking Sharapova here, since I genuinely believe Henin is the more complete player at this point in their respective careers.

However, Sharapova has more power and looks like she’s playing with a chip on her shoulder.

Free Pick: Maria Sharapova in three sets

07:00 PM EST

Justine Henin -190

Maria Sharapova +145

Over 22½ -115

Under 22½ -125

WTA Australian Open Qtr Finals

Jelena Jankovic vs. Serena Williams

Analysis: Okay tennis bettors, I’ll admit it ... I have a secret crush on World No. 3 Jelena Jankovic (please don’t tell my wife). Still, that fact does not blind me to the reality of this match – that Jankovic is most likely going to fall to the 2007 Australian Open winner – Serena Williams – in this match, no matter how badly I may want her to win.

The pair has split four career meetings, including their most recent meetings in 2006 and 2007, and has gone to three sets only once – in their first-ever meeting back in 2004.

Jankovic had been bounced out of the Aussie Open four consecutive times in the second round from 2003 -2006 before reaching the fourth round last year before bowing out.

Williams on the other hand, has won this tournament three times, winning once every other year since 2003, (‘03, ‘05, ‘07).

Not only does Williams have the upper hand in experience, but she looks much fitter than at any time during the last two seasons and has clearly shed at least 15 pounds.

Unless Williams commits a mountain of unforced errors, Jankovic should see her 2008 Australian Open appearance come to an end tonight.

Free Pick: Williams in three sets

07:00 PM EST

Jelena Jankovic +225

Serena Williams -350

Over 21 -135

Under 21 -105

WTA Australian Open Qtr Finals