Posted on 3/28/2008 7:28:16 PM

Tennis Betting - WTA Sony Ericsson Open Odds - Ivanovic’s Quarter

By Nila Amerova

Miami, Florida – In the bottom half of the draw, Pacific Life Open champion Ana Ivanovic prepares to kick of her campaign in Miami. But as the tournament received seismic shock-waves today when compatriot and men’s Pacific Life Open champion, Novak Djokovic – tipped at -2000 in his opening match – fell in his Miami opener to qualifier Kevin Anderson in three sets 7-6(1), 3-6, 6-4, Ivanovic will be anxious not to follow in his humbled footsteps and join the early exodus of crashing seeds. I have put this out there before, gentle tennis bettor: Anything can happen when players play to the best of two sets, more true for the men than women, but nevertheless a truth to consider when handicapping tennis matches. So as all eyes turn to Ivanovic and the rest of the women in the second round, here are some free tennis picks to get you started.

Match Time: 10:00 AM Saturday, March 28, 2008

Tennis Betting Line: Emilie Loit +1000 Ana Ivanovic -3000

Tennis Prediction: This matchup is a no-brainer. Ivanovic is the better play and with an outrageous price tag of -3000 (you need to bet $3000 to win a $100) I would recommend just skipping this line and wait for a more even matchup for the high-flying Serbian starlet. The paltry payout would hardly merit the wager.

Tennis Free Picks: Ivanovic in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Lindsay Davenport -900 Camille Pin +450

Tennis Prediction: High hopes precede Lindsay Davenport in Miami; after her quarterfinal run in Indian Wells, she is expected to go one better at the Sony Ericsson Open – if not go all the way to the final. If truth were told, many are anxious for her to find her winning form and seize a major title or two. In 2008, Davenport has already lifted two titles and owns an enviable 15-3 record. if truth were told (yes—honesty again) the sole interest in this match is a confirmation of victory for the American, because it’s the next matchup that would upshot of her progress to the R32 that everyone is anticipating and that would be a potential blockbuster billing of Ana Ivanovic vs. Lindsay Davenport. Yes, I am getting ahead of myself. Back to this match: Davenport can be assured of at least one easy victory in Miami.

Tennis Free Picks: Davenport in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Tathiana Garbin +160 Sybille Bammer -210

Tennis Prediction: No. 46 Tathiana Garbin barely struck an audible note in Indian Wells, last week as she came up against Ana

Ivanovic in the R32, losing 6-3, 6-0. In Sybille Bammer, Garbin comes up against another tough opponent – definitely not as tough as Ivanovic, but I expect the same result another quiet modest performance from the Italian. Bammer at -210 is the better play.

Tennis Free Picks: Bammer in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Vera Zvonareva -800 Ekaterina Bychkova +425

Tennis Prediction: Russian Vera Zvonareva has had an outstanding season thus far, reaching two finals (Hobart and Doha) and three quarterfinals ( Auckland, Bangalore and Indian Wells). At -800 favorite odds, Zvonareva is the better play in this all-Russian affair by a mile.

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