WTA Medibank International – Serena Williams heads up draw

Sydney, Australia – Serena Williams heads up a stellar line-up at the WTA Medibank International this week. In fact, Sydney got the cream of the crop in the women’s game with US Open runner-up Caroline Wozniacki and Russians Dinara Safina, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Elena Dementieva and Vera Zvonareva, and Belarusian Viktoria Azarenka (to name a few) all competing.

Every tennis betting fan interested in the women’s aspect of the coming Aussie Open should really follow this week’s Medibank International as one of the aforementioned players is considered by many to become the next Aussie Open champion – or re-crowned if you fancy Serena Williams. Following their progress at Sydney will have far-reaching consequences on their value for the Aussie Open that kicks off next week. So pay attention because it should be exciting.

Tennis Betting Line: Serena Williams -900 Jose Maria Martinez Sanchez +450

Match Time: 08:30 P.M. Eastern Time Monday January 11, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: One need not be a tennis aficionado to get the gist in this matchup – the bookies overwhelmingly favour Serena Williams against no-hoper Jose Maria Martinez Sanchez. The Spaniard Sanchez is a no-hoper because she is predominantly a clay-courter and because she is so obviously going to be out of her depth against world No.1 Serena!

I think I don’t need to point out the obvious, the trend will fall in line with Williams at -900. Of course, the overwhelmingly one-sided odds mean that tennis bettors will hardly be busting the bank with this bet. That it is a lock is a small consolation, I suppose.

Tennis Free Picks: Williams in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Dominika Cibulkova +225 Svetlana Kuznetsova -350

Match Time: 08:30 P.M. Eastern Time Monday January 11, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: The bookies favour Svetlana Kuznetsova at -350 to win outright – a price-point that is a sure-fire indicator of market confidence. Kuznetsova is a sustainable bet because she is a top-ranked player and has been for some time. Tennis bettors could do no worse than take her on the money line. That said, Cibulkova is a tempting underdog. I am rather surprised she is tipped so long at +225. She is outside of the 200-price-point – a marker I like to separate the viable challengers from the pretenders. I think Cibulkova will be more into this match than the money line suggests and I believe she is capable of upsetting Kuznetsova. For that reason, I would recommend her to risk takers. Conservative bettors are better off siding with the bookies, naturally.

Tennis Pick: Cibulkova in three sets