Posted on 3/31/2008 11:04:56 PM

Tennis Betting WTA Sony Ericsson Open Quarterfinal Picks

By Nila Amerova

Miami, Florida – In the top half of the draw, the first quarterfinal billing between No.3 Svetlana Kuznetsova and Williams was determined today when both players won their R16 contests. Svetlana Kuznetsova continued her impressive season with a victory over Shahar Peer 7-6(4) 6-3, meanwhile Venus Williams topped rising Dane Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 6-3.

But perhaps the most exciting quarterfinal of the Sony Ericsson Open confirmed today was the blockbuster billing of World No.1 and 2007 Miami finalist Justine Henin and defending champion Serena Williams. So as the quarterfinals are almost upon us, here is a look at these two exciting matchups you will not want to miss betting on.

Tennis Betting Line: Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Venus Williams

Tennis Prediction: This is another worthy rivalry of the WTA tour, as Svetlana Kuznetsova and Venus Williams are tied 3-3 in head-to-heads lifetime. The last time the pair met was in 2007; each won one match. Kuznetsova took the early lead in head-to-heads in Warsaw before Williams evened the score en route to her title victory, in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon last year.

Venus Williams holds home court advantage, which will give her a slight edge over the Russian. Williams has been a finalist in this event twice – 1998 and 1999. The first time she lost to sister Serena Williams and the second time to Jennifer Capriati.

Kuznetsova has been solid this year through the rounds of each tournament she contested, and in every tournament where she won in the quarterfinal she reached the final of the same event; but only up to the final round, as she has floundered in her three attempts to win a title.

In this matchup, Venus Williams is the better play. Venus arrived in Miami seeking her first title of the season. Kuznetsova arrived in Miami, having finished runner-up in Indian Wells over a week ago.

Tennis Free Picks: Williams in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Justine Henin vs. Serena Williams

Tennis Prediction: The 2007 Player of the Year winner, Justine Henin is set to meet one of her best rivals Serena Williams on the WTA tour in a sensational quarterfinal matchup in Miami. So much drama precedes their rivalry, which is tied at 6-6 in career head-to-heads, that it is only fitting we finally have an opportunity to witness it rekindled.

This is Justine Henin’s opportunity to avenge the loss she suffered last year to Serena Williams and I think she will. In 2007, they met four times; the bulk of the victories went the way of the diminutive Belgian 3-1. The Miami final was the only victory Serena Williams notched over Henin.

Tennis Free Picks: Henin in straight sets

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