in Tennis Articles

London, England – While, over the last four years, Roger Federer has dominated the men’s side at Wimbledon, during the same period on the women’s side the Wimbledon title has been held by four different ladies – Amelie Mauresmo (2006), Venus Williams (2005), Maria Sharapova (2004) and Serena Williams (2003).

All four of are in contention for the title this year, alongside 2007 Roland Garros Champion, No. 1 Justine Henin. Henin has never won at Wimbledon, but finished runner-up last year. Also vying for the title are 1997 Wimbledon Champion Martina Hingis and a whole host of young players, the most notable of which are Svetlana Kuznetsova, Jelena Jankovic, Ana Ivanovic and Anna Chakvetadze. The playing field could not be more wide open.

In the top half of the draw, Serena Williams and Justine Henin as expected advanced through to the second round in straight sets.

Also notable through to another day at Wimbledon was Martina Hingis, who battled back from a set down against (WC) Naomi Cavaday of Great Britain for the victory 6-7(1), 7-5, 6-0; Shahar Peer who defeated Tamarine Tanasugarn 7-5, 6-2; Lucie Safarova who defeated compatriot Zuzana Ondraskova 7-5, 6-2; and Sybille Bammer who defeated Varvara Lepchenko 6-2, 6-2.

With Day 2 kicking off on June 26th, 2007, the marquee matchups on the Wimbledon women’s side with BetUS.com Sportsbook are as follows:

Jelena Jankovic -10000 Anne Keothavong +1800

Angelique Kerber +700 Anna Chakvetadze -1600

Ana Ivanovic -3000 Melinda Czink +1000

Jamea Jackson +1200 Amelie Mauresmo -5000

Vania King +325 Nadia Petrova -550

Alla Kudryavtseva +800 Venus Williams -2000

Svetlana Kuznetsova -1200 Julia Vakulenko +550

Dinara Safina -1200 Kateryna Bondarenko +600

Nicole Vaidisova -3000 Karin Knapp +1000

Yung-Jan Chan +1600 Maria Sharapova -8000

Tennis : On the women’s side, the first round of a Grand Slam tournament rarely yields surprise results, as there is a wide gap in competition between the top players and the pretenders. As such, the first round should play out in favor of the favorites.

Potential tricky matches may arise with Svetlana Kuznetsova/Julia Vakulenko and Anna Chakvetadze/Angelique Kerber. However, both Kuznetsova and Chakvetadze should persevere for the win in three sets.

The matchup of Nadia Petrova vs. Vania King could yield a surprise result, as Nadia Petrova’s form is questionable coming into Wimbledon. Last week at the International Women’s Open, she retired due to injury in the semifinal round.

Federer might be winning everything except clay these days, but with online sports betting in the 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.