Dinara Safina vs. Flavia Pennetta

Flushing Meadow, New York – Today the tennis betting before them on the quarterfinal round in women’s draw. Dinara Safina, winner of the US Open Series, continues her sensational run since winning the title in Berlin by pushing through to the final eight at the US Open.

Safina has reached the final in six of her last seven events, winning three Berlin, Lost Angeles and Montreal (Rogers Cup). She finished runner-up at the French Open (l. to Ivanovic) and s’ Hertogenbosch, and lost to compatriot Elena Dementieva in the final at the Beijing Olympics, winning the silver medal.

Pre-tournament predictions had Safina tipped as the favourite to win the US Open crown. In 2000, her older brother Marat Safin stunned Pete Sampras in the final to win the US Open crown. Now eight years later, his little sister bids to accomplish the same feat.

Safina is the hottest player on the women’s tour now and two match wins separate her from reaching her seventh final. Next up for Safina is Flavia Pennetta of Italy. Safina enters this matchup as the -400 favourite on the money line.

Tennis Gambling Line:

Flavia Pennetta +4½ -130 +250 21 O -110 U -130

Dinara Safina -4½ -110 -400 21 O -110 U -130

Match Time: Not before 12:30 PM Eastern Time, Wednesday September 3, 2008

Head-to-Head Analysis: Safina leads the series with a convincing 4-0 edge. The last time they met was this year in the Los Angeles final when Safina beat Pennetta in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. They also met earlier this year in Gold Coast. The R16 match was also won by Safina 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.

Safina (-400) Safina is the hottest player on the tour. I know I already said this but it bears repeating. Safina has always been a brilliant talent, but like her brother, bettors never knew what to expect of her in the past. Temperamental, petulant and dramatic she brought everything into her game. This year though Safina has finally made the breakthrough that her talent always promised by handling herself and her emotions better on court she has been able to remain focused and at times even digs out of dire matches to come away with the victory.

Pennetta (+250) Pennetta is the underdog in this matchup and should she win her victory would be one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Her track record against Safina does not point to this happening. In their four meetings, she has managed to win only one set of Safina. However, Safina has played a lot of matches this summer. Before her last 16 encounter against Groenfeld, she complained of exhaustion, complaining she had 20% left in her and cried incessantly. Her 20% was enough to beat Groenfeld 7-5, 6-0.

Tennis Betting Verdict: If Safina is not in top form there is a chance Pennetta can beat her. However, Safina has come this far and I do not expect she will give up without a fight.

Tennis Wagering Pick: Safina in straight sets

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