posted June 26, 2008 at 17:55 in Tennis Betting Trends

London, England – The tennis-betting trend, recovering from the shock upset of Maria Sharapova today, turn towards short-odds on favourites Serena Williams and Ana Ivanovic as the third round tennis betting action gets set to kick off on Friday, June 27, 2008. So how will the two starlets in women’s tennis fair? Here is a look at the tennis odds currently available for the online sports betting community at BetUS Sportsbook.

Tennis Betting Line: Amelie Mauresmo +250 Serena Williams -400

Tennis Prediction: Two former Wimbledon champions – a two-time champion in Serena Williams actually – duel in the third round in what will be a blockbuster day of tennis betting for sports bettors at BetUS Sportsbook. In terms of betting on this matchup, as sensational as this billing is, many feel Amelie Mauresmo, the 2006 Wimbledon champion, has passed her prime. Meanwhile, Serena Williams stock is still rising in the tennis betting markets and she is held as one of the favourites for the title this year. Aside from popular opinion, recommending Williams on the money line is a 9-2 career head-to-head record against the Frenchwoman. However, this is the first time they meet since 2006. So how much credence should we give their past encounters? Mauresmo is a great player in her own right as well and is capable of the upset. This championship has seen many upsets so one cannot discount anything from happening. Mauresmo has been written off by most. The very fact that she is not expected to win may give her the added motivation to do just that. We have seen Sharapova, Djokovic and Roddick toppled already. Why not Serena Williams as well.

Tennis Free Picks: Mauresmo in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Anabel Medina Garrigues +135 Agnes Szavay -175

Tennis Prediction: Agnes Szavay favours the fast surfaces. Ranked No.15 in the World, the Hungarian teenager is loaded with talent, but has had a slow season thus far. Only recently has she posted some encouraging results. And as the tour heads to the hard court season expect to see more of her. For now though she is vying to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon and with Anabel Medina Garrigues standing in her way, a player who is predominantly a clay court expert, her odds of advancing are very good. At -175 favourite odds, she is the better play.

Tennis Free Picks: Szavay in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova +300 Agnieszka Radwanska -500

Tennis Prediction: Rising Polish tennis star Agnieszka Radwanska won the title in Eastbourne last week – a Wimbledon tune-up event. With three WTA titles for the year already and a 36-11 mark at the start of her Wimbledon run, Agnieska Radwanska is the player to watch in her section of the draw. Standing in her way of a fourth round berth is No. 137 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova – a 16-year-old player from Russia. Radwanska should outplay the young Russian and move into the next round.

Tennis Free Picks: Radwanska in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Evgeniya Rodina +300 Anna Chakvetadze -500

Tennis Prediction: Ana Chakvetadze has had a bit of a seesaw year. She has not played many tournaments and arrived in London with a 17-12 mark for the year. Ranked No.8 in the world she is in a bit of a slump and since winning the title in Paris earlier this year, she has failed to factor deep in tournaments. An upset of the eighth seed in Wimbledon is very likely. Next up for Chakvetadze is Evgeniya Rodina of Russia who is making her Wimbledon debut this year. In terms of experience, calibre, skill, ranking and talent, the edge tips in favour of Chakvetadze. She should win this match. However, mentally she has been suspect and as we have seen already, anything can happen. Nevertheless, I like her to advance.

Tennis Free Picks: Chakvetadze in three sets

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