WTA Indian Wells Fourth Round: Wickmayer vs. Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez

Indian Wells, California – Most did not anticipate Yanina Wickmayer, one of a four-strong Belgian representation at Indian Wells that included reigning US Open champion Kim Clijsters and 2010 Aussie Open runner-up Justine Henin, to be the left standing at this early stage alone, beyond their shadow. That is not to say she was not expected to have a good tournament or to advance deep. It is just that she rather than her formidable compatriots is still alive in the last 16 and with a chance to continue her bid at Indian Wells.

Belgian hopes rest with this up-and-coming 20-yearold from Lier, Belgium. Wickmayer will battle for a spot in the quarterfinals against Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain. The match is decidedly hers to win or lose. Martinez Sanchez is bolstered by a big scalp in the third round after taking out Victoria Azarenka. Repeating back-to-back huge wins might just be beyond her abilities though.

Here is a look at the tennis betting market on this interesting fourth round clash at the BNP Paribas Open.

Tennis Betting Line:

Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez +3 -125 +145 21½ O -110 U -130
Yanina Wickmayer -3 -115 -190 21½ O -110 U -130

Match Time: 07:30 PM Eastern Time Tuesday March 16, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Wickmayer is the -190 favourite to win outright while Sanchez is the +145 puppy to win outright. Clearly, the bookies are not so convinced this is Wickmayer’s match to win or lose as I am what with rolling out a rather tight tennis betting line. They are of the same mind however that Wickmayer is the favourite – if her odds are a little conservative in my opinion.

Sanchez’s odds have been scaled down methinks because of her win over Azarenka more than anything else. I would have Azarenka as having a hand in her own loss yesterday. Her temper is legendary and frankly gets in the way of winning matches she should win. Azarenka should have won her encounter over Sanchez. That she didn’t is a credit to Sanchez however and I still give the Spaniard props.

This will be an entirely different match. Wickmayer is not as emotional as Azarenka, at least not in the same way. I expect Wickmayer to know the deal and get the job done. Which makes her my pick on the spread as well at -3 -115.

In terms of the totals, this could be a competitive encounter. Sanchez has nothing to lose really and should come out swinging. She could take this match the distance even or keep it a close straight set loss, either way I fancy the Over 21 ½ -110.