WTA US Open Quick Picks – Schiavone vs. Bondarenko

Flushing Meadows, New York – The 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone is gearing up for a third round encounter against Alona Bondarenko on Friday. They are scheduled to take Grandstand Stadium following the Ryan Harrison vs. Stakhovsky affair.

BetUS Sportsbook is taking action on their eye-catching encounters, so without further ado, here is the breakdown.

Tennis Betting Line: Francesca Schiavone -200 Alona Bondarenko +150

First Set Line: Francesca Schiavone -175 Alona Bondarenko +135

Match Time: 12:00 Noon Eastern Time (09:00 AM Pacific Time) Friday September 03, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Schiavone has been flat since she became the surprise French Open champion. After winning the French crown, she was a first round casualty in Eastbourne, Wimbledon, Cincinnati and New Haven.

She enjoyed one lone positive run in Montreal wherein she reached the quarters (l. to Wozniacki). Understandably, there was a lot of speculation about Schiavone and about what her chances were at the US Open. From the top seeds, she was the big question mark coming into this event.

So far, so good. The Italian, seeded sixth in the tournament, is through to the second round with wins over Morita and Camerin.

She is set to face Alona Bondarenko for a spot in the third round and bookies seem to like her best to advance.

Bondarenko, however, is after quashing American hopeful Melanie Oudin in the second round. You might remember the cute smurf-like Oudin who stole everyone’s imagination last year as she sailed into the quarters. Her early exit was a disappointment to all that were clamouring for a sequel to those heroics.

A win over Oudin wasn’t an upset, save in the sense of packing off a home favourite. It was in tune to their respective places in the game. Bondarenko is the No.29 seed at the US Open. All she did was punch at her weight class.

The question now is whether she can punch above her weight class and take out Francesca Schiavone. Bookies list her as the modest puppy at +150.

Such a price suggests she does have a reasonable chance. If you take that, and add to that the fact that Schiavone isn't exactly in the best of form these days, Bondarenko just might be able to accomplish the feat.

Of course, if Schiavone is really in the midst of a turnaround and her confidence is high, her power and strength should bully Bondarenko off the court easily.

Tennis Free Picks: Schiavone in three sets