Posted on 4/25/2008 12:19:10 PM

Online Tennis Wagering - FED CUP Betting - USA vs. Russia

By Nila Amerova

As the Fed Cup semi-finals kicks off around the world this coming weekend, three manifold Fed Cup champion nations will try to secure a place in the final while China will vie for a premier position in the finale for the very first time in history. Garnering the most online tennis betting attention is the semis clash between two titans –United States and Russia. The matchup USA vs. Russia, in the illustrious history of any team sport competition, has been one of the most entertaining billings that if both nations live up to their rich history, then you can bet the Fed Cup showdown between these two esteemed nations will not be without the classic USA vs. Russia drama of times past.

USA vs. Russia

Defending Fed Cup champions, Russia is the favourite in this matchup, holding all the advantages it would need to emerge as the victor in its corner. To begin with, they hold the edge with home turf – common sense dictates: playing before a partisan crowd is not only a huge catalyst but also fortifies a team by adopting the role of an added player on the team. Playing on their patch –confirmed to be on the indoor red clay courts of Small Sport Arena Luzhniki in Moscow – the Russian side will gain an added edge in surface. Further tipping the balance in favour of the Russians is their bench, cosily seating some of the very best players on the tour – Svetlana Kuznetsova, Anna Chakvetadze, Dinara Safina and Elena Vesnina (aside from Vesnina, who ranks No.44 in the world, the remaining three are Top 20 elite players).

The Fed Cup trophy has traipsed and twirled across several hemispheres in the 46 years of Fed Cup competition, but in three of the last four years, it has found an enduring home in Russia. Currently swaddled lovingly in Russia’s clutches, the 2007 defending champions will try to keep their bid for the trophy alive by reaching the final for the fourth time in five years. In spite of having won all three of their nations, Fed Cup trophies over the last four years (2004-05 and 2007) odds makers are unanimous, favouring Russia with short odds of 4/1.

The last time the USA reached the final was in 2002, when they finished runner-up to France. However, USA’s 17 Fed Cup trophies make it the most successful nation in this premier women’s team competition. Their history notwithstanding, the US Team enters this matchup as the underdog, with odds of 7/1 to emerge in to the final movement of this completion. When taking heed of the US squad, which is noticeably missing from its roster big names like Serena Williams and Lindsay Davenport, tennis bettors can start to get a sense why the odds are against the USA. Instead the players heading to Russia all rank beyond the Top 100 in singles women’s tennis – No. 115 Vania King, No.145 Ahsha Rolle, No.249 Madison Brengle and Liezel Huber. No wonder the US Team’s odds of emerging are so slim.

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So there you have it, a nice short break down for you of some of the exciting tennis betting options available at BetUS Sportsbook. Now that you are all read up, you are ready to start betting on tennis!

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.