Acapulco Tennis Betting – Williams Vies for a Spot in the Final

Acapulco, Mexico – The Abierto Mexicano Telcel is playing host to both the men and women this week. On the women’s front, the most prestigious player competing is Venus Williams. The American entered the main draw as the top seed and she has held her weight through the course of the week, pushing to the semis. Mind, did tennis bettors expect any less of this proven champion. Second seed Flavia Pennetta (Italy) and fourth seed Iveta Benesova (Czech Republic) have punched at their weight class in the marketplace as well to take their appointed slots in the semi. Joining the trio is Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic. The unseeded player punched above her weight class in the marketplace to seize a spot in the final four.

Therefore, with the line-up set, here is a look at the semi-final showdown of this last South American clay court event of the season.

Tennis Betting Line:

Venus Williams -5½ -125 -1000 19 O -125 U -115

Barbora Zahlavova Strycova +5½ -115 +500 19 O -125 U -115

Match Time: 7:30 P.M. Eastern Time Friday 27 February 2009

Head-to-Head Stats: This is the first time they have ever met at a WTA event.

Tennis Betting Analysis: Waxing lyrical about Venus Williams is unnecessary. Most tennis bettors, even novice bettors, would be familiar with the American’s resume. Therefore, the question in this matchup is whether any credence should be given the underdog. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova is a surprise semi-finalist. She ranks No.71 in the world and prior to Acapulco she owned a 2-4 mark on the season. She has since improved to 5-4. She is a baseliner who prefers clay and grass. Strycova was most impressive in the quarters when she stormed back from 6-4, 4-1 down to beat Maret Ani 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.

Tennis Betting Verdict: On paper, there is no basis to assume Strycova would beat Venus Williams. It is billed a whitewash affair. Venus Williams won the title in Dubai last week and she is 9-1 on the season, coming into the semis. She has lost only one match this season. But it was a huge loss and more importantly, a momentous upset. Williams was ousted at the Australian Open by Carla Suarez Navarro in the second round 2-6, 6-3, 7-5. Can Strycova accomplish what the Spaniard did in Melbourne. In a word, no – so most sports bettors would think. It is rare to see Williams flunk against a lesser opponent; but it does happen on occasion – especially on her least favourite surface, which is clay and slow hard courts. They are playing on clay in Acapulco. So maybe (even if it goes against all reason) a small bet on Strycova is in order. Heck, I will go for the underdog.

Tennis Betting Free Picks: Strycova +500 in three sets

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