posted February 28, 2008 at 20:34 in Tennis Betting Trends

Dubai, UAE – As the quarterfinal round in Dubai wrapped up today, the tournament was treated to some shocking results in the top-half of the draw as two of the pre-tournament favourites found themselves cast out of the final four. Two-time defending champion Justine Henin was upset by Francesca Schiavone 7-6(3), 7-6(4); and third seed Ana Ivanovic, after taking the early lead, unravelled against a fierce comeback from Elena Dementieva mid-way through the second set, falling in three sets 5-7, 6-3, 6-3.

Tennis Betting Line: Francesca Schiavone vs. Elena Dementieva

Match Time: 04:00 AM Eastern Time, Friday, February 29, 2008

Tennis Prediction: No.11 Elena Dementieva of Russia is enjoying a great run in Dubai, reaching her second semifinal of the season. In Paris, Dementieva failed to advance to her first final, falling to Agnes Szavay in three sets. In Dubai, Dementieva earned her second shot at a Sony Ericsson WTA final, and standing in her way is No.24 Francesca Schiavone of Italy – a player she trails 3-4 in overall career head-to-heads. A closer look at their record reveals that Schiavone has won their last three contests – two in 2007 and one in 2000. The last time Dementieva beat Schiavone was in 2005 Fed Cup action and the last tournament win Dementieva earned over Schiavone was in Moscow in 2003.

No.24 Francesca Schiavone arrives into the semifinal on the heels of some impressive play in Dubai; first defeating seventh seed Marion Bartoli in the first round, Sybille Bammer in the second round and most importantly, World No.1 and two-time defending champion Justine Henin in the quarterfinal – a player she had up to now never beaten in seven tries!

I really like Schiavone’s resurgent game. One of the fittest players on the tour, Schiavone is proving to be the dangerous floater of the tournament.

Tennis Free Pick: Schiavone in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Jelena Jankovic

Match Time: 04:00 AM Eastern Time, Friday, February 29, 2008

Tennis Prediction: This should be a close contest in the semifinal, with much to recommend either No.3 Svetlana Kuznetsova or No.4 Jelena Jankovic on the money line. In terms of head-to-heads, the pair are tied at two match-wins each, with the last meeting going the way of Jankovic in Rome last year. This is their first matchup in 2008. Jankovic appears in her second semifinal, her first of the season was at the 2008 Australian Open. Kuznetsova finishing runner-up in Sydney will try to reach her second final of the season.

Tennis Free Pick: Jankovic in three sets

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