posted March 26, 2008 at 13:52 in Tennis Free Picks

Miami, Florida – The 2008 Sony Ericsson Open draw has been released and World No.1 Justine Henin, who received the top seed, falls into the same quarter of the draw as defending champion Serena Williams. Last year, Henin lost in an epic final to Serena Williams. After holding Williams to love in the first set, and serving for the match in the second set, Henin failed to fend against Williams’ sudden onslaught and her second set fumble ended up costing her the match, losing 0-6 7-5 6-3.

This year Justine Henin received no favors from the draw when she fell into the same quarter of the draw as defending champion Serena Williams. Four-time Miami champion Serena Williams (2002-04 and 2007) and World No.1 Justine Henin owned what was once a fierce rivalry – contesting eight matches in a two year span from the 2001 US Open to 2003 Wimbledon. Williams led 5-3 at the time. Their rivalry was rekindled in 2007 when Serena Williams revived her tennis career after a significant absence due to injuries. In 2007, the pair contested a further four matches, the bulk of which went in favour of the diminutive Belgian (3-1). Currently their record sits at 6-6 even, with the last victory going the way of Justine Henin at the US Open quarterfinals 7-6(3) 6-1.

Both Justine Henin and Serena Williams are legitimate contenders for the title in Miami and few would bet against them repeating their 2007 feat. But as they are slotted to meet in the quarterfinal, only one can advance through to the final four and hope to replicate her performance of 2007.

Should they meet in the final eight, their showdown will be an emotional test as their battle will not only be a battle of old rivalry but of the back-stories as well. For Henin it is admittedly difficult to play in the month of March as it is the time of year when she lost her mother to cancer. Serena Williams is no stranger to the gusting South Florida winds and won the title last year on the heels of mercurial performances, recovering from a first set trouncing to seize the sensational victory in three sets. But with only one minor title this season – the Bangalore Open, preceding Williams in Miami are whispers of criticism. If she can rediscover her brilliance of 2007, few would bet against her.

With a long and illustrious history, it was only a matter of time before their rivalry would be rekindled this year. And the mouth-watering prospect of a quarterfinal showdown in Miami, on the very same stage of their sensational final last year, is just one of the dream matchups tennis bettors will possibly have a chance to wager on at the Sony Ericsson Open this year. So, don’t miss betting on the Sony Ericsson Open this year as you will see the finest talent on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour battle it out for the 24th edition of the this major event in Miami.

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