WTA Kremlin Cup Tennis Betting Trends

Moscow, Russia – Alongside the Russian men contesting the Kremlin Cup, the Russian female players in tow offer the crowd in Moscow much to cheer about and the sports betting public to contemplate.

Throughout the intense week of competition, sports bettors are likely to follow a familiar list of names that have emerged from the depths of Russia’s pool of talent in women’s tennis. Why, three Russian women are already through to the final eight: second seed Dinara Safina, fourth seed Elena Dementieva and fifth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova. However, it must be mentioned that the biggest upset of the day in tennis betting went to Slovakia’s Dominka Cibulkova as she ousted fourth seed Ana Ivanovic in three sets to snag a spot in the quarters. Therefore, with four quarterfinal berths determined, here is a look at the upcoming second round matchups to determine the makeup of the line-up of the final eight in Moscow.

Tennis Betting Line: Jelena Jankovic -1600 Vera Dushevina +700

Match Time: 03:00 AM Eastern Time, Thursday October 8, 2008

Tennis Betting Analysis: Now right off the bat, the money line featuring Dushevina’s odds at a whopping +700 price tag gives sports bettors much to contemplate about. The 22-year-old Russian entered the main draw on a wild card. She ranks No. 77 in the WTA rankings and brings an underwhelming 16-15 mark for the year to Moscow. She trails 1-3 lifetime against Jankovic but their last two matches were tough three setters (played in 2005 though). Overall, the sum of her stats would not lend much contemplation but as they are set to clash in Moscow, there is some wiggle room to be had for extra thought.

On paper, Dushevina would not appear to have an outside chance. What with Jankovic currently ranked as the World No.1 player, boasting an impressive 59-16 and arriving in Moscow on the strength of back-to-back title victories in Beijing and Stuttgart. Jankovic appears well on her way to enjoying an incredibly consistent season as she did last year. She has lifted three titles overall this season and is a huge favourite for a fourth in Moscow.

Tennis Betting Verdict: The one thing that Dushevina has going for her is home court edge and the crowd in Moscow can be right intimidating. They will come out in full force to back one of their own, something that can be distracting for an opponent. Moreover, Jankovic has logged in a lot of court time, so the question is whether it will catch up to her sooner than later. It just might tomorrow.

Tennis Free Picks: Dushevina in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Vera Zvonareva -400 Daniela Hantuchova +250

Match Time: 03:00 AM Eastern Time, Thursday October 8, 2008

Tennis Betting Analysis: Vera Zvonareva is enjoying one of her best years in some time. Currently ranked in the top ten, Zvonareva brings a 54-18 mark for the season and 2 WTA titles: Prague and Guangzhou. She was a finalist in Hobart, Doha and Charleston and she won the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics. Her resume is well padded for the season and going strong for these last few months of the 2008 calendar year.