Jankovic vs. Hantuchova highlights the China Open

Beijing, China – The WTA China Open enters the quarterfinal round, and through to the final eight are five seeded players: [1] Jelena Jankovic, [2] Ana Ivanovic, [4] Svetlana Kuznetsova, [5] Vera Zvonareva and [7] Daniela Hantuchova.

A top-heavy quarterfinal line-up, complete with a smattering of talented up-and-comers, and potential upset makers, means that what lies ahead for the sports betting community at BetUS Sportsbook is an action packed Thursday in the tennis betting market.

Here is a look at one of the more anticipated matchups of the night:

Tennis Betting Line: Jelena Jankovic -450 Daniela Hantuchova +275

Match Time: 12:00 AM Eastern Time Friday September 26, 2008

Tennis Betting Analysis: I really, like Daniela Hantuchova’s game and the true extent of her capabilities were demonstrated when she pushed to the semis at the Australian Open this year. Hantuchova has battled with injuries since spring and for that reason she arrived in Beijing with only a 17-15 mark.

Having missed several months of tournament play this season and then struggling in tournaments throughout the summer months Hantuchova finally got back on track a fortnight ago in Bali when she pushed to the semis. In Tokyo, last week, she fell in the opening round. This week in China, she seems to have regrouped and in reaching the quarterfinals, she improves to 19-15.

In head-to-head series, she is tied 1-1 with Jankovic, beating her in Tokyo in 2006. They have not played against each other since and over the last two years both players have seen marked improvement – Jankovic perhaps more so than Hantuchova.

Jankovic entered Beijing with an enviable 51-16 mark for the season and one WTA title. Since 2007, Jankovic has been one of the most consistent performers on the WTA circuit and this year is no different. All except one of 17 tournaments has seen her figure in no less than the quarters.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Jankovic is the favourite in this match and most likely the better play. Hantuchova has a good game and in top form, she could challenge Jankovic. However, the reality is Hantuchova is on the mend so her form is questionable, making a play on her to orchestrate the upset just that much more doubtful. I would not be shocked to see it happen (just humour me) but clearly, the betting trend would be against me on this one. If I was not such a fan of Hantuchova (yes even though she can be a bit of a mental train wreck on court at times) I would probably go with the trend. As it is I can’t. There is value in Hantuchova’s odds but more importantly, if she can hold her nerve, she really can upset Jankovic.

Tennis Free Picks: Hantuchova in three sets

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