posted July 2, 2008 at 19:14 in Tennis Props

London, England – While the tennis betting trend in the first semi-final sports betting matchup between Serena Williams and Jie Zheng swings heavily in favour of Serena, in the other semi-final featuring Venus Williams vs. Elena Dementieva , the leaning in the tennis betting markets is less one-sided. Defending Wimbledon champion Venus Williams is the online gambling odds makers’ favourite but the online sports betting community gives Elena Dementieva a fighting chance. So with Wimbledon betting entering the semi-final, here is my take on the upcoming match of Venus Williams vs. Elena Dementieva.

Tennis Betting Line:

Elena Dementieva +4 -110 +275 Over 21½ -115

Venus Williams -4 -130 -450 Under 21½ -125

Analysis: For most, an all-Williams final at the All England Club is a near certainty. One victory away from setting up their first Grand Slam final in five years, defending champion Venus Williams, who is an exceptional grass courter is tipped at -450 favourite odds. Recommending her favourite odds is 4 career Wimbledon titles (out of 6 career Grand Slam titles) and a 5-2 head-to-head record against Elena Dementieva.

However, the handicap that goes against Venus Williams this year at Wimbledon is she has not been tested through the rounds. En route to the final four she has faced lesser-ranked opponents – and in some cases way lesser. In Dementieva, she meets a player who now ranks World No.5. Her first top 10 elite challenge. Dementieva is enjoying a resurgence this year that has seen her post a 29-9 mark for the year and pick up one WTA title.

If there were a handicap against Dementieva it is her quarterfinal match against Nadia Petrova demonstrated some shades of Dementieva of old, where she would become unravelled mid-match. Dementieva lost her nerve in the second set and with it the tiebreaker before coming back to seize the victory in the third over Petrova 6-1, 6-7(6), 6-3. She will not be able to afford mistakes like that against Venus.

Tennis Prediction: For most bettors, this matchup is held as the more competitive of the two women’s semi-final matches at Wimbledon this year. With women’s tennis at an all-new low point a competitive and thrilling match is what is needed. I expect this one to go the distance – three sets. For Dementieva to win this, she will have to get off to a great start – winning the first set would be one way to accomplish the feat. If Venus Williams takes the first set, Dementieva’s odds will be several diminished.

Tennis Free Picks: I honestly believe Dementieva has a chance of ousting Venus Williams and this is not because of the money play on her. She has been exceptional this season and so long as she remains focus she can take advantage of the coasting run Venus has enjoyed thus far. For most bettors, Venus will be the choice play. For me, I like Dementieva’s odds.

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