Posted on
1/23/2008 8:27:34 PM
Australian Open Semifinal Tennis Picks: Hantuchova vs. Ivanovic
By Nila Amerova
Melbourne, Australia – Perhaps the most intriguing of the semifinal matchups is the billing of Ana Ivanovic vs. Daniela Hantuchova. Both Ivanovic and Hantuchova defied the quarterfinal odds to advance into the final four on Wednesday. Ivanovic upset the bookies favourite Venus Williams and in turn, Hantuchova upset the slightly favoured up-and-coming teenager Agnieska Radwanska, to set up a fascinating semifinal matchup.
Match Time: 7PM Eastern Time
Tennis Gambling Line:
Ana Ivanovic -4 -115 -400 Over 21½ -125
Daniela Hantuchova +4 -125 +250 Under 21½ -115
To win the first set:
Ana Ivanovic (1st Set) -250 Over 9½ -140
Daniela Hantuchova (1st Set) +185 Under 9½ EV
Tennis Prediction: No.3 Ana Ivanovic is widely considered by tennis experts Serbia’s best hope on the women’s side to claim a Grand Slam title, since Monica Seles; whereas, the captivating Daniela Hantuchova has never been synonymous with a Grand Slam title. In fact, Hantuchova, not unlike Tsonga, was the unexpected player to emerge from the draw into the final four.
Hantuchova, at 24-years-old, is finally playing some of the best tennis of her career. Her resurgence began last year, when she was the surprise winner at Indian Wells, defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova in straight sets. Hantuchova went on to win Linz later in the year, as well as finish as the runner-up in two events – Luxembourg (l. to Ivanovic) and Bali (l. to Davenport).On the strength of her performance, Hantuchova qualified for the year-end Tour Championships.
Really, is it a surprise then Hantuchova reached the final four? True it is the first time the Slovak-born tennis star reaches a Grand Slam semifinal, but perhaps she has been overlooked, somewhat overshadowed by flashier and younger up-and-coming tennis sensations.
Hantuchova has long struggled with confidence; admittedly, it has held her back over the years. Her game, on the other hand, is clean and precise. The bookies tip her as the modest underdog, priced at +250, so perhaps her performance has caused odds makers to take her threat somewhat seriously. Defying the odds already several times to get here, Hantuchova is an underdog with value.
Ivanovic on the other hand, is the bookies favourite for the win. There is so much to recommend the young Serbian on the money line, I don’t believe there is enough room to sing her praises in this short tennis picks piece.
However, on paper, the matchup of Ivanovic and Hantuchova is tight, with Ivanovic only leading by 2-1 in head-to-heads. In 2007, the pair met three times, with the first victory going the way of Hantuchova 6-3, 6-1 on grass (her best surface), before Ivanovic levelled the score in the final of Luxembourg with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory and then pulled ahead with a 6-2, 7-6(9) victory in the year-end Tour Championships.
By all indications, this match should not be a one-sided contest, with the Serbian power- hitter dominating. Hantuchova’s game is perhaps one of the most underrated in women’s singles tennis. If the occasion does not prove to be too much for her occasionally wavering confidence, I would wager on Hantuchova to come away with the victory. Yes, you read that right, I would wager against the favourite Ivanovic. Perhaps it is a bold bet, but it is not entirely outrageous.
Tennis Free Picks: Hantuchova in three set.
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Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.