Posted on
11/8/2007 7:15:58 PM
Bet On Tennis - Ivanovic vs. Sharapova
By Nila Amerova
Madrid, Spain – In the Red Group, No.6 Maria Sharapova, following her victory over countrywoman No.2 Svetlana Kuznetsova today, became the final player to reach the semifinal stage of the Sony Ericsson Championships, joining Ana Ivanovic (also from the Red Group), and Justine Henin and Ana Chakvetadze from the Yellow Group. Next up for Maria Sharapova is Ana Ivanovic. The two will play to decide a first and second place finish in their group. Bet on this stellar match up with BetUS Sportsbook.
Tennis Line: Ivanovic vs. Sharapova
Match Date: Friday, November 9, 2007
Match Time: 12:00 PM EST
Head-to-head history
Year Event Surface Rnd Winner Score
2006 LINZ HARD Q M. SHARAPOVA 7-6(3) 7-5
2007 TOKYO CARPET S A. IVANOVIC 6-1 0-1 ret.
2007 FRENCH OPEN CLAY S A. IVANOVIC 6-2 6-1
Tennis Prediction: This should be one of the more exciting match ups in the round robin stage of the Sony Ericsson Championships.
No.4 Ana Ivanovic emerged this season as one of the hottest tennis players on the tour, compiling a 49/16 record for the season and lifting three crowns; in so doing, the Serbian superstar proved she was the real deal. Thus far, her Madrid campaign has lived up to expectations as Ivanovic moved into the semifinals with a 2/0 match record and 4/1 set record.
The Serbian who only just turned 20 years old, will meet another 20-year-old, Russian Maria Sharapova and former World No.1 (earlier this year). While Ivanovic rose in the ranks this year, Sharapova dropped, but not for a lack of effort. 2007 has been a year of struggle for the Russian, highlighted by a persistent right shoulder injury and her inability to compensate for it strategically or technically.
Sharapova arrived with a lowly 36/10 record for the season and one WTA title. In Moscow – a home event and her last tournament match before the Madrid Championships – Sharapova crashed out in her opening match.
In spite of the prevalent doubts, Maria Sharapova confirmed her place in the semifinals today with a victory ironically over Kuznetsova as well. Emerging from the Red Group, Sharapova surpassed pre-tournament expectations, which had her questionable because of rust and an unhealed right wing.
Both Ivanovic and Sharapova have demonstrated they are true competitors in this championship event and viable candidates for the title. Both 20-year-olds are big hitters who play the power game. Their clash should live up to expectations. The in form Ivanovic has the overall edge, but Sharapova is a big competitor; she should bring the fight to Ivanovic. Their match up should live up to expectations.
The first place finisher in the Red Group, would avoid facing Justine Henin in the semifinal. (The first place finisher in Yellow Group faces second place finisher from the Red Group and vice versa.) Both Ivanovic and Sharapova would strive to avoid such an outcome, for surely, facing Henin in the semifinal is an almost certain end to their Sony Ericsson Championships campaign.
Tennis Free Pick: Sharapova in three sets
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Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.