WTA Monterrey Quarters: Pavlyuchenkova vs. Zakopalova

Monterrey, Mexico – The WTA Monterrey Open has reached the quarters and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has come through as I had expected. She was my dark horse pick for the tournament; so far, so good.

Pavlyuchenkova’s quarterfinal appointment is with Klara Zakopalova, another underdog to have punched above her weight class in this tournament. With a semi-final spot on the line, it remains to be seen which of these two players will continue good form. I have my ideas.

Pavlyuchenkova reaches the quarters on the back of solid, convincing performances. She beat qualifier Ana Tatishvili 6-1, 6-2 and Polona Hercog 6-2, 6-3. She hasn’t dropped a set and only relinquished eight games in two matches.

Zakopalova took out sixth seed Anabel Medina Garrigues in the first round, outlasting the favourite 7-5, 7-5. She backed up her win over Garrigues with a convincing performance over Patricia Mayr, 6-4, 6-3.

Clearly, both players are set up well for their quarterfinal clash. They were clear winners in both their matches and that should give them confidence for their clash. However, only one player can be the winner and if I were to bet house money, I would go with the big-hitting Russian, Pavlyuchenkova because I think she has a significant edge over Zakopalova on this surface.

Tennis Betting Line:

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova -6 -130 -650 19 O -110 U -130
Klara Zakopalova +6 -110 +375 19 O -110 U -130

First Set Line: Pavlyuchenkova -450 Klara Zakopalova +275

Match Time: 04:00 PM Eastern Time Friday March 5, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: The bookies are on side, favouring Pavlyuchenkova at solid -650 odds as I would have expected. Pavlyuchenkova is also a firm favourite to take the first set at -450. Judging by the spread, the bookies are further discouraging bets on Zakopalova with a generous +6 -100 price-point. The idea is that Zakopalova will be blown off court, evince by the totals as well, offered at Over/Under 19 – with the under the expected outcome at -130.

Tennis Free Picks: Tennis bettors looking to bet on this match are better off going with the market cast. Pavlyuchenkova has the significant ranking edge over Zakopalova and she is the more on form of the two; not to mention, methinks she is the better player overall with more aspects to her game than Zakopalova has. Pavlyuchenkova is the recommended play on the outright market to win at -650 and to take the first set at -450. Hedging bets on Zakopalova on the spread is a good option, listed at +6 -110. There is a chance Zakopalova might account better than most would expect. The Over 19 -110 would therefore complement such a play. However, if you are going for the blowout, then take the Under 19 at -130.

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