WTA Indian Wells: Clijsters and Azarenka in action

Indian Wells, California – Kim Clijsters and Viktoria Azarenka are set to battle in the third round today, a spot in the fourth round on the line. Few expect Clijsters and Azarenka to falter at this stage and not make their last 16 appointments. That notwithstanding, Clijsters has a tough court date against Alisa Kleybanova of Russia and whereas Azarenka has on paper easy matchup against Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez several favourites have already wilted in the California desert, and both would do well to be mindful of that.

Tennis Betting Line :

Victoria Azarenka -5½ -135 -1000 19 O -115 U -125
Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez +5½ -105 +500 19 O -115 U -125

First Set Line: Victoria Azarenka -500 Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez +300

Match time: 09:00 PM Eastern Time Monday March 15, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Viktoria Azarenka is one of the short-odd-on favourites to win the title in Indian Wells. That expectation is based on her performance last year during March Madness when the Belarusian beat Serena Williams at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, an event that follows Indian Wells and is just as prestigious. In winning Miami, Azarenka cemented herself as a viable challenger at such events.

Azarenka is the -1000 favourite to win outright and by all accounts the better play. However tennis bettors looking for value would be better served betting on the spread and totals. Azarenka to cover the spread at -5 -135 and win convincingly, Under 19 -125 are the favoured plays. Methinks Martinez Sanchez might be more competitive than the market expects her to be, so I would make a play at the very least on her handicap odds, at + 5 ½ -105 and the Over 19 -115.

Tennis Free Picks:

Tennis Betting Line:

Alisa Kleybanova +4½ -110 +275 20 O -130 U -110
Kim Clijsters -4½ -130 -450 20 O -130 U -110

First Set Line: Alisa Kleybanova +225 Kim Clijsters -350

Match time: 10:30 PM Eastern Time Monday March 15, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: This is the most anticipated match of the day between two of the best hitters and power players in the women’s game today. So at least I think. In my opinion, both ladies are beautiful ball strikers and they have some of the best-controlled power shots in the game. They are good thinkers on the court. If there were an edge it would be Clijsters movement. Clijsters is a much better mover than Kleybanova. She is also the fitter of the two players and both these qualities should serve her well to victory. Of course, anything can happen – it was not long ago when Clijsters was completely blitzed by Nadia Petrova. Kleybanova is that good in my opinion, although I don’t think we have seen it from her yet. She still could win and as such there is value in bucking the trend in this match.

Tennis Free Picks: I firmly believe this match is a tossup with value in both camps for different reasons. Clijsters will be the popular play at -450 but Kleybanova at +275 should see action as well in the market, and a good chunk of it. Kleybanova on the spread might be the more popular play at + 4 ½ -110. This match should be competitive and the Over 20 -130 would be my recommendation.

Bet on this and more of the hottest sports events at BetUS.com >> Join NOW