Posted on 1/23/2008 9:49:00 AM

Australian Open Quarterfinal Tennis Picks – Women’s Draw

By Nila Amerova

Melbourne, Australian – In the bottom-half of the draw, Venus Williams’, the bookies fourth short odds favourite at +800 hopes to keep her Australian Open campaign alive against Serbian Ana Ivanovic, the dark horse of the tournament priced at +1000 to win the title. In the other match lined up for tonight’s quarterfinal round on the women’s side, surprise quarterfinalist Agnieska Radwanska will try to add another chapter to her Cinderella run at the Australian Open, by taking on the challenge of ninth seed Daniela Hantuchova.

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Match Time 7 PM Eastern Time

Tennis Betting Line:

Daniela Hantuchova -115 Over 22½ -110

Agnieszka Radwanska -125 Under 22½ -130

Daniela Hantuchova (1st Set) -120 Over 9½ -150

Agnieszka Radwanska (1st Set) -120 Under 9½ +110

Tennis Prediction: This matchup should prove to be interesting. The ninth seed Daniela Hantuchova, contrary to her higher ranking and seeding, is slightly disadvantaged against the up-and-coming teenager. In fact, in 2007, the World No.28 Agnieska Radwanska, clinched the victory in the only meeting between the pair in Zurich. Owning a 1-0 record over Hantuchova, and having already upset two seeds—[2] Svetlana Kuznetsova in the third round and [14]Nadia Petrova in the fourth round—Radwanska would appear to be a good bet.

Of course, as this is Radwanska’s first-ever quarterfinal match in Melbourne, the occasion may prove to be overwhelming; but since she overcame the pressure of her big matches in previous rounds, she should not defeat herself in this round. The pressure lies solely on Hantuchova to come up with the victory; but as she is known for inconsistencies in her performance, betting on Radwanska is the better play.

Tennis Free Pick: Radwanska in three sets

Match Time 830 PM Eastern Time

Tennis Betting Line:

Venus Williams -2½ -110 -180 Over 22½ -120

Ana Ivanovic +2½ -130 +140 Under 22½ -120

Venus Williams (1st Set) -165 Over 9½ -140

Ana Ivanovic (1st Set) +125 Under 9½ EV

Tennis Prediction – While Ana Ivanovic will try to draw inspiration from her compatriots win over Serena Williams, I would wager that she would have a tough time against Venus Williams. Venus Williams owns a perfect record against the 20-year-old Serbian Ivanovic. In their four career meetings, two were contested in 2007 at two Grand Slam events – Wimbledon semifinal and US Open R16. Of the two matches, both were relatively routine victories for Williams 6-2, 6-4 at Wimbledon and 6-4, 6-2 at the US Open. Like Jankovic, Ivanovic has carved a scratchy course through the Australian Open this year, lending their threat as dark horses of the tournament a half-hearted charge. On one hand, there is no question that Ivanovic has the game to upset Williams, but on the other hand, the desire has been thus far lacking. Of course, big occasions have a way of bringing the best out players, and thus far, Ivanovic has not faced a big challenge. So, will she step up, like Jankovic did in her quarterfinal match against Serena Williams, or will she follow in the footsteps of her own previous encounters against Venus Williams, and lose the match—a match that from the onset it would appear she never believed she could win? I for one would like to see Ivanovic defy the odds, and perhaps as somewhat of a biased fan, I will cast my tennis balls in her court. For those tennis bettors who think there have been one too many upsets at the Australian Open already, take Venus Williams the odds makers’ favourite at -180. But keep in mind, Williams has never won the Australian Open and her personal best in Melbourne was the 2001 semifinal round.

Tennis Free Pick – Ivanovic at +140 for the upset.

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