WTA Indian Wells: Zvonareva and Pennetta bid for last 16

Indian Wells, California – Women’s tennis betting action livens up this week as the tournaments heads towards the last 16. Vera Zvonareva and Flavia Pennetta will be looking to secure their spots in the fourth round at the expense of Anastasija Sevastova and Shahar Peer, respectively.

On paper, Zvonareva has the easier path against unheralded Sevastova; Pennetta has a tough course against on-form Peer. Nevertheless, both players are still bookmakers’ favourites to advance.

Tennis Betting Line:

Vera Zvonareva -4½ -125 -500 20 O -110 U -130
Anastasija Sevastova +4½ -115 +300 20 O -110 U -130

First Set Line: Vera Zvonareva -350 Anastasija Sevastova +225

Match time: 04:00 PM Eastern Time Monday March 15, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Russian Vera Zvonareva arrived in Indian Wells on form, with an 11-3 mark that included a last 16 at the Aussie Open, a runner-up finish in Pattaya City and a quarterfinal appearance in Dubai. Zvonareva improves to 12-13 by reaching the third round in Indian Wells (she had a bye into the second round). She advanced without dropping a set over Sloane Stephens 6-4, 7-5.

Anastasija Sevastova is a player to watch in my opinion because she is after a very good week in Monterrey where she reached the semis. The run must have lent her some confidence as she reaches the third round convincingly, namely with victory over former world No.1 Ana Ivanovic in the second round. Having said expecting she would beat on-form top player, Zvonareva is an entirely different thing.

Tennis Free Picks: Zvonareva is the firm favourite at -500 and the better play. She really should advance into the last 16. Sevastova can make this match interesting though and there is value on her handicap odds listed at +4 ½ -115. The totals, at Under 20 -130 is the pick.

Tennis Betting Line:

Flavia Pennetta -2½ -125 -160 21½ O -105 U -135
Shahar Peer +2½ -115 +120 21½ O -105 U -135

First Set Line: Flavia Pennetta -150 Shahar Peer +110

Match time: 04:00 PM Eastern Time Monday March 15, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Flavia Pennetta takes a 3-0 lifetime edge over Shahar Peer into their third round encounter. However, the last time Pennetta beat Peer was early in 2009. Since the start of the season, Pennetta has slipped a tad in form while Peer has really cranked up the volume.

Both however come into this match on the heels of a good start on the season, which should make this a more competitive match. Moreover, many expect this might be Peer’s best chance to get into the win column against Pennetta.

Tennis Free Picks: Whichever way you slice this match there is value to be had. Pennetta is still favoured at -160 and the good play. Peer has looked solid and at + 120, she is the value bet for the upset. The spread is a good option on Pennetta methinks, at -2 ½ -125. It is the favoured outcome. The Under 21 ½ -135 as well.

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