Posted on 4/18/2008 2:02:09 PM

Tennis Betting Picks - Family Circle Cup - Sharapova vs. Williams

By Nila Amerova

Charleston, South Carolina – As was expected by all online tennis betting fans and bettors worldwide, the first meeting between two of the WTA Tours most outstanding performers this season has been set at the Family Circle Cup. The blockbuster billing of Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova was confirmed today, when both Williams and Sharapova won their respective R16 encounters. Aside from a dramatic showdown on court, what this billing means to the online sports betting community is a chance to flex their handicapping muscle, which when done rightly, there is an angle for profit to be made.

Tennis Betting Line: Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova

Analysis: The reward for both of their R16 triumphs is a meeting with each other in the quarterfinal of the Family Circle Cup – a Tier I event with a prize purse of $1.34 million. Now handicapping this billing is going to be a challenge – but a welcome one.

On paper, both Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova stack up well. Both have impressive championship credentials, won titles this season already (Sharapova is one better with three titles) and only lost one match thus far. But as they are destined for a quarterfinal collision, for one the lucky streak ends tomorrow. So which player will be so unlucky as to slip to two-match losses for the season?

In head-to-heads, Williams has the lead at 4-2, with a slight edge over Sharapova she would appear to be the better play. However, in all six meetings, none was contested on clay. Their first-ever clay court encounter makes for a completely new playing field. This does not mean we are to ignore Williams’ lead over Sharapova, just that it should be taken in the right context.

Moreover, the two victories Williams nicked in 2007 against Sharapova occurred early in the season when Sharapova was struggling with a shoulder injury. Again, this is not to take away from Williams’ victories, but more so to shed perspective on why both matches, which were hardly a contest by Sharapova ‘s standard (Sharapova won a meagre five games in two matches: 6-1, 6-1 and 6-1, 6-2) should not be taken out of context.

So then, that leaves us with their performance at the tournament. Right?

Sharapova crushed her first challenger, Bethanie Mattek, holding her to a 6-0, 6-0 score and in her R16 encounter she triumphed with a 7-5, 6-2 over Tatiana Perebiynis. On the other hand, Williams has looked less convincing with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Gisela Dulko in her opening match and a comeback win from behind against Katerina Srebotnik 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Therefore, based on tournament play, Sharapova pulls ahead with the slight edge. A flawless performance in her opener and a near flawless second round encounter is what gives tennis bettors confidence in Sharapova. Few would bet against her.

But she is playing Serena Williams – lest we forget—the self-dubbed “dangerous floater” Williams’ who stunned everyone last year by winning the 2007 Australian Open at a time when everyone had all but dismissed her chances because she appeared out of form and assumed a laissez-faire attitude towards the game. On more than one occasion, Williams admitted to harnessing motivation from doubters and critics “I love doubters. More than anything, what I love, besides obviously winning, is proving people wrong.” O.K., so Williams can do no wrong when she sets her mind to it!

So maybe we have our answer here: in the one factor in tennis handicapping, which is impossible to measure – HEART. Now, more often than not, heart would be a deciding factor. Alas not here as to make picking even more difficult, both players arguably have a whole lot of heart. It cannot be said one has more heart than the other does. They are relentless fighters and fight for the win they shall. They like to win and are used to winning. Heck – even in the cacophonic high-pitched shrieks, they match shrill for shrill every note.

So where does the bettor lay down his money I cannot say with the utmost certainty, but I can say where I would put my wager; that is, Sharapova.

Tennis Free Picks: Sharapova in straight sets

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