Zurich Open Quarterfinal Quick Picks - Top Half of the Draw

Zurich, Switzerland – As the quarterfinal line-up took shape at the Zurich Open, many surprise outcomes rocked the tennis betting markets.

The biggest upset of the second round was the loss of top seed Jelena Jankovic when she was dismissed by Flavia Pennetta of Italy. The surprises in the top half of the draw did not stop there as fourth seed Vera Zvonareva was forced to retire from her second round match and fifth seed Agnieszka Radwanska was beaten by Katerina Srebotnik 2-6, 7-6(6), 6-3.

So with no seeds alive in the top half the section is wide open for any player to take the initiative. Here is a look at the upcoming quarterfinal round of tennis betting at the Zurich Open.

Tennis Betting Line: Flavia Pennetta vs. Katerina Srebotnik

Match Time: 06:00 AM Eastern Time, Friday October 17, 2008

Head-to-Head Analysis: No. 17 Flavia Pennetta and No.21 Katerina Srebotnik are tied 2-2. The last time they played though was in 2005.

Tennis Betting Analysis: This is their first match this year and it will be a good one. Both players have been on the circuit for some time. They are enjoying a good year. On paper very little separates’ them. Pennetta is 44-22 for the year with two titles. Srebotnik is 47-22 for the year.

Tennis Betting Verdict: This is a good matchup for them as they are both in good form, fit and high in spirits. Pennetta had the big win over Jankovic so one has to fancy her chances are better tomorrow. Srebotnik will not be a pushover. She had some big scalps this year – namely beating Serena Wiliams.

Tennis Free Picks: I expect a tight match. Technically, their chances of advancing are even. I like Srebotniks chances to upset Pennetta.

Tennis Betting Line: Viktoria Azarenka vs. Anabel Medina Garrigues

Head-to-Head Analysis: They are tied 1-1. The last time they met was in 2007 in Miami when Azarenka beat Medina Garrigues in straight sets 6-4, 7-5.

Tennis Betting Analysis: Though their head-to-head suggests this match will be a close one I expect it to be a one-sided affair. Garrigues played well against Zvonareva today but the Russian retired from the match with dizziness so she clearly was not in top form. Azarenka beat qualifier Niculescu to come to the final eight. She really has not been challenged in this tournament yet.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Azarenka is a promising youngster. She has a 38-19 mark for the season. Garrigues in a veteran with a 40-25 mark and one title.

Tennis Free Picks: Azarenka in three sets

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