Posted on 1/21/2008 8:02:26 PM

Australian Open Betting – Women’s Quarterfinal Tennis Odds

By Nila Amerova

Melbourne, Australia — On the women’s side, the first quarterfinal match scheduled for Monday, 21 January 2008 is between two heavy-hitters, defending champion Serena Williams and Serbian Jelena Jankovic. Serena Williams is the bookies short odds favourite at -400. Bet on Serena Williams as she vies to defend her Australian Open title.

Tennis Betting Line:

Match Time: 9PM Eastern Time Monday, 21 January 2008.

To win Outright:

Jelena Jankovic +4½ -130 +250 Over 21 -120

Serena Williams -4½ -110 -400 Under 21 -120

To win the first Set:

Jelena Jankovic (1st Set) +200 Over 9½ -135

Serena Williams (1st Set) -300 Under 9½ -105

Tennis Prediction: Frankly, this Australian Open has featured a struggling Jelena Jankovic. There are several factors slowing down the Serbian tennis star, namely plaguing injuries and perhaps some fatigue, owing to a gruelling 2007 schedule. At the start of the season, Jankovic competed in Sydney, but reached only the quarterfinal round, defeated by Nicole Vaidisova in three sets 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. (In 2007, Jankovic had a finalist at this event.)

In her opening match, Jankovic barely scrapped by to avoid being eliminated by Australia’s Tamira Paszek in the third set 2-6, 6-2, 12-10. In her second round match, Jankovic fared better, securing the victory in straight sets over Gallovitis, but in her third round, Jankovic faltered against Virginie Razzano, winning in three sets 6-2, 4-6, 6-1. In the R16, Jankovic ended the Cinderella story of Casey Dellacqua, Australia’s up-and-coming young tennis player.

In contrast, Serena Williams has been consistent, playing some smart tennis through the rounds. While Serena Williams has not been impressive, she arrives into the quarterfinal round having not dropped a set. I would wager against Jelena Jankovic, Williams will be equally focused and stingy with her sets.

Tennis Free Picks: Williams in straight sets

Federer might be winning everything except clay these days, but with online sports betting in the BetUS.com Sportsbook, betting on tennis has never been so exciting! Join the BetUS.com online sportsbook today and start using the latest tennis lines, odds and props to earn cold, hard cash!

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