Posted on 10/12/2007 8:32:11 PM

WTA Tennis Betting: Kremlin Cup Semifinal Picks: Kuznetsova

By Nila Amerova

Moscow, Russia – In the quarterfinal, Svetlana Kuznetsova, a -650 favorite, easily topped Vera Dushevina (+375) 6-2, 6-2 to secure a berth in the semifinal. Next up for the top seed and World No.2 Kuznetsova is Serena Williams. Williams persevered against Nicole Vaidisova with a 6-4, 7-6(7) victory.

In this stellar semifinal match up, Kuznetsova is slightly favored at -130 with BetUS Sportsbook against Williams who is tipped at -110.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Singles - Quarterfinals

(1) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (WC) Vera Dushevina (RUS) 62 62

(4) Serena Williams (USA) d. (8) Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) 64 76(7)

Tennis Line: Svetlana Kuznetsova -130 502 Serena Williams -110

Match Time: 06:15 A.M. EST

Tennis Prediction: This time last week, Kuznetsova defeated Williams handily in Stuttgart. Entering the quarterfinal in Stuttgart, Kuznetsova had trailed 0-2 in head-to-heads against Serena Williams, having in 2004 lost both previous career meetings. Kuznetsova’s quarterfinal victory at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix improved her lifetime record against Serena Williams to 1-2.

Kuznetsova enters this match with the confidence of having recently notched her first victory over Williams as well as the unique pressure, which is a direct consequence of the victory, to replicate that very same winning performance.

At -130 favorite odds, Kuznetsova is only slightly favored for the victory. There is much to recommend betting on Kuznetsova on this money line. Kuznetsova brings a 54/15 record for the season into her match and one WTA title – New Haven (hard).

Although Kuznetsova is known for her clay court game, owing to being trained in Spain, her hard court game is consistent and solid. Kuznetsova was the 2004 US Open champion and the 2007 US Open runner-up. Clearly, she has the game and the talent to defeat Serena Williams back-to-back. Moreover, Kuznetsova has an added edge with home court advantage.

Williams, slightly disadvantaged at -110, is always worth betting on, particularly when she is tipped at underdog odds. Williams admittedly enjoys playing under such a disadvantage, as with lesser expectations comes less pressure and Williams plays better. No better example exists than Williams’ run at the Australian Open, when the self-proclaimed “dangerous floater” seized the title as the lowest- ever ranked player to win a Grand Slam.

Williams will be seeking to avenge her recent loss in Stuttgart. Williams brings a 34/7 record which includes two WTA titles – The Australian Open (hard) and the Sony Ericsson Open (hard) in Miami.

This will be a tough match, and betting on either Kuznetsova or Williams would be a good play. For me, the balance tips in favor of Kuznetsova.

Tennis Free Pick: Kuznetsova to win in straight sets.

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