Posted on 1/23/2008 3:02:02 PM

Women’s Aussie Open Wagering – Sharapova vs. Jankovic

By Eric Williams

Tonight’s semifinal match between World No. 5 Maria Sharapova and World No. 4 Jelena Jankovic, is genuinely a finals-worthy showdown being masked as a semifinal showdown between the talented pair.

Though Sharapova holds a 3-1 advantage over Jankovic in four meetings, it is the blossoming Serbian who won the last clash, beating Sharapova 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 last season in Birmingham on grass.

After never passing the fourth round in five tries at the Aussie Open, Jankovic suddenly finds herself just two matches away from a finals appearance.

Jankovic has gone to three sets twice in reaching the semifinal round but played her best match of the tournament in her last outing in beating World No. 7, Serena Williams, 6-3, 6-4 in their semifinal showdown.

Sharapova, on the other hand, has breezed through this year’s tournament after losing to Williams in last year’s final and reaching the semifinal round the previous two years.

Sharapova has been extremely impressive in winning each of her last three matches, beating all three of her opponents, fellow Russians, Elena Vesnina and World No. 11, Elena Dementieva as well as Belgian and World No. 1, Justine Henin, all with decisive 6-0 second sets.

Analysis: As much as I’d like to see Jankovic, I think Sharapova and her deceptive power are going to be just a bit too much for her to handle. In the end, take Sharapova, though it may go three sets.

Free Pick: Maria Sharapova

07:00 PM EST

Maria Sharapova -450

Jelena Jankovic +275

WTA Australian Open Semifinals