Sibling Rivalry - Serena and Venus Williams meet in Miami

Key Biscayne, Florida – tennis betting frenzy came to a head in the final stages.

Theirs is a match fitting for a final. So it is a bit of a shame they meet in the semis for it will be another great battle—as it always is between these two sisters, who are poised to become legends in the women’s game. Thus is the nature of the draws though. Nevertheless, it will be a real treat for the crowd that will assemble in Stadium court and an exciting tennis betting opportunity for the online sports betting marketplace.

Tennis Betting Line:

Serena Williams -135 23 O -125 U -115

Venus Williams -105 23 O -125 U -115

Match Time: 09:00 P.M. Eastern Time Thursday April 2 2009

Head-to-Head Record: Venus Williams leads the series 10-9 lifetime. Venus owns the most recent victory over Serena; she beat her younger sibling in Dubai 6-1, 2-6, 7-6(3) last month. Over the course of their careers, they met 13 times on hard courts; surprisingly, Venus holds the edge 7-6. In 2008, they met twice on hard courts, Serena beat Venus at the US Open semis 7-6(6) 7-6(7)en route to the title victory; Venus avenged the loss at the Tour Championships, beating Serena in R1 5-7 6-1 6-0

Tennis Betting Analysis: This match is a tough one to call for all the parts of their head-to-head records. Certainly, they will both compete fiercely against each other. Also certain: there is never any doubt that they want to win. Something has to give though.

Serena Williams is the reigning queen and five-time champion in Miami. She is aiming for a record sixth title and only Venus stands in her way of the title match. Serena’s success in Miami and the fact she is also the current Australian Open queen tips her towards the top of the favourite plane, marginally adrift of Venus. Venus has the more recent successes against Serena – back-to-back victories at the Tour Championships and Dubai.

In terms of 2009, Venus is 11-1 with two titles – Dubai and Acapulco. Serena is 16-2 on the season with one title – luckily for her it is the big one – the Australian Open.

In Miami, Serena was troubled by Na Li in the quarters but she eventually did her part to set up another chapter in this sister act. She persevered 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-2. Venus Williams had an easier day of it yesterday, taking out Iveta Benesova 6-1, 6-4.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Hedging bets on either sister is a good play. They both bring a litany of championship credentials as to recommend them equally strong. The handicapping of this match comes down to what is at stake. For Serena, it would not only be another final, it would also be an opportunity to rewrite history and to take over as the most successful woman in Miami from the great Steffi Graf. Heady motivation.

Tennis Free Picks: Serena in three sets.