Posted on 6/8/2007 7:33:20 PM

Tennis Betting—French Open Finals - Henin vs. Ivanovic

By Nila Amerova

Paris, France – Cruising past top-ranked Serbian No. 5 Jelena Jankovic 6-2, 6-2 in the semifinal, No. 1 Justine Henin next faces the second-highest ranked Serbian, No. 7 Ana Ivanovic, in the finals at Roland Garros on Saturday, June 9th.

One victory away from becoming only the second player in the Open Era (the first was Monica Seles from 1990-92) to win three straight French Open titles, Henin is in good shape to accomplish this feat.

Ana Ivanovic +300 Justine Henin -500

At a whopping -500 price tag, the oddsmakers are confident that 1H - the best clay court player on the WTA tour – will grab her third consecutive and fourth overall French Open title tomorrow in Paris. (Henin holds the 2003, 2005, and 2006 titles.)

 

After missing the Australian Open due to personal issues, Henin’s mental form was questioned and doubters wondered whether she would continue her 2006 domination of the WTA. In her first event – the Open Gaz de Paris - Henin fell to Lucie Safarova in the semifinal round; but followed with victories in Dubai and Doha before falling to Serena Williams in the Miami Masters Series Final.

In the clay court season, Henin got off to a great start with a victory in Warsaw and made a semifinal appearance in Berlin, where she lost to Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4 5-7 6-4.

With her semifinal victory over Jelena Jankovic, the two-time defending Roland Garros champion improved her record to 20-0 in Paris – a winning streak that is now at an impressive 33 straight sets.

An imposing player at the French Open, it comes as no surprise that Henin is heavily favored against the inexperienced Ivanovic, who is appearing in her first Grand Slam event.

Henin is playing some of her best tennis, proving her all-court game can best anyone. A savvy and wily opponent, Henin’s game comprises of great footwork, power and precision that can school opponents in spectacular fashion.

The value in betting on Henin at the French Open final lies in her record-setting performance in Paris, 20 wins comprised of a 33 straight set winning streak; a 1-0 record against Ivanovic; and the prospect of scripting history with a third consecutive victory in Paris. In short, Henin’s stake in the French Open is high, and the prize goes beyond just winning a title. She is without a doubt a good play for the victory.

Ivanovic on the other hand, at +300, should not be discounted. With the victory in Berlin, Ivanovic is riding a 12 consecutive match-winning streak as she arrives at her first–ever Grand Slam event.

 

What Ivanovic lacks in experience, she more than makes up with talent. The Serbian teenager has been impressive at the French Open - serving in the high percentages, committing few unforced errors and leading the tournament with 36 aces. Aggressive with her forehand and backhand, Ivanovic has bewildered her opponents, none more so than Maria Sharapova, who meekly succumbed to Ivanovic in straight sets 6-2, 6-1.

Both Henin and Ivanovic have played to win through out this tournament, after all, they have each earned a berth in the final; and with one deciding victory remaining, before a winner is crowned, betting on Henin or Ivanovic could not be tighter, despite the odds. Both are valid contenders for the title and by all indications, this final will be a sensational showdown between the old and the young guard.

So will Roland Garros crown its queen again, or will it elevate a new tennis princess?

Tennis Free Picks: – A tough choice to make, but the scale tips in Henin’s favor. With the historical context, her experience and her impressive record, Henin is poised for the victory. Expect a three-set match, with Ivanovic forcing Henin to fight for each point.

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