Posted on 4/5/2008 4:16:34 PM

Tennis WTA Open Betting Serena Williams vs Jelena Jankovic

By Nila Amerova

Miami, Florida – 2007 Defending champion Serena Williams advanced into the final with an inspired 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory over Svetlana Kuznetsova in the semi-final’s yesterday. Kuznetsova pushed Williams (a four-time champion in Miami) relentlessly throughout the match, but ostensibly, the victory was a testament to the heart of Williams’ story. When handicapping tennis there are many factors involved that can give a player the edge, but one factor that cannot be measured is heart and in Serena Williams case, few players boast the amount of heart she possess. So as the Williams’ tradition in Miami lives to see another championship final the question is: Can Serena Williams seize a fifth Sony Ericsson Open title or will the Serbian starlet Jelena Jankovic knock her off her game?

Tennis Betting Line:

Match Time: Saturday April 5, 2008 10:00 AM Eastern Time

Serena Williams (1st Set) -165 Over 9½ -140

Jelena Jankovic (1st Set) +125 Under 9½ EV

Serena Williams -220 Over 22½ -115

Jelena Jankovic +170 Under 22½ -125

Head-to-head Analysis: No.3 Jelena Jankovic leads 3-2 in head-to-heads over Serena Williams, but as Serena Williams retired from one of their meetings in 2005, their record for completed matches is tied at 2-2. Jankovic earned her most recent victory over the American at the Australian Open in 2008. Jankovic halted Williams during her title defence campaign in Melbourne in the quarterfinals with a 6-3, 6-4 victory. Prior to that, Williams met Jankovic only once in 2007, defeating the Serbian during her title run at the Australian Open in the R16 6-3, 6-2.

This is the second time this year, Williams meets Jankovic during a title defence campaign in a tournament. Tipped at -220, Williams gets the nod from the odds makers for the victory. Currently ranked No.8 in the World, Williams is attempting to become the first player since Steffi Graf to win five titles in Miami, and with only a victory away from accomplishing this feat, Williams is a good play.

She is a good play because she has looked spectacular throughout the tournament, particularly in the quarterfinals against Henin where she put on show a clinical game that held off the Belgian 6-2, 6-0. In the semifinal, she demonstrated her ability to will herself to victory. And In the final, she will have an opportunity to avenge her Australian Open loss to Jankovic this year. That is one score to settle that few would bet against Williams to accomplish. Bet on it!

At +170 underdog odds Jankovic holds value. She is capable of beating the mighty Serena Williams; having done it already once this year Jankovic could upset her in the final tomorrow. But playing Serena against a home crowd is entirely different and all Jankovic’s merits notwithstanding, she will be hard-pressed to replicate her winning performance of Melbourne. I pick Williams to win her fifth title in Miami and improve to 3-3 lifetime against Jankovic

Tennis Free Picks: Serena Williams in straight sets

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