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Women's French Open Betting: Sharapova to make short work of Stephens

Abelson Info returned to form with two winners yesterday, they're back to preview the action on Day 9 at Roland Garros...

Attention switches to the world number two on Monday, as Maria Sharapova continues the defence of her title when she takes on Sloane Stephens. The Russian ace had a mid-match struggle in the last round against Jie Zheng, but ultimately continued her record of having not dropped a single set in the French capital thus far. Meanwhile 17th seed Stephens wasn't quite as impressive last time out, and she now faces Sharapova at exactly the same stage she was defeated in Rome a fortnight ago. The American won just three games in that contest, suggesting she has little chance of pulling off a shock this time round and as a result the odds favour another win for her opponent. World number three Victoria Azarenka wasn't as convincing in the last round though as she eyes a potential semi-final clash with Sharapova further down the line. She was forced to fight back from a set down against home favourite Alize Cornet, while admitting to struggles with her serve after the match. History suggests that the Belarusian knows exactly what it takes to beat Francesca Schiavone on this surface, having won both their previous meetings on clay. Considering their last clash came almost five years ago, the ascent up the world rankings Azarenka has enjoyed since would suggest another win lies ahead. However, Schiavone is clearly in confident mood, and her record of winning 18 of her last 20 matches at Roland Garros will give her the belief of progressing further. While there may not be much value to be had in those two matches, the other four players in action on Monday will arguably provide closer contests. Bethanie Mattek-Sands still has the prize for producing the biggest shock of the tournament thus far, following her second round upset of No.6 seed Li Na. The American has talked up her chances of winning the tournament as she enjoys the second week of a major for only the second time in her career, but she will have a tough task of advancing any further when she takes on Maria Kirilenko. Kirilenko has gone about her business quietly but effectively during the first week in Paris, but the Russian 12th seed will hope to now kick on and set up a quarter- finals clash with Azarenka. She has yet to drop a set, but has also come through testing times against Stefanie Voegele in the last round. Therefore, she will be confident of being able to avoid becoming Mattek-Sands' second major scalp of the tournament. In contrast, Jamie Hampton will hope to extend what has been a memorable time in the French capital when she comes up against Jelena Jankovic. While the latter has also impressed by playing some of her best tennis on this surface, Hampton has stormed through the field and clinched her biggest win in the last round as she overcame seventh seed Petra Kvitova. Back the American to have the best chance of pulling off an upset on Monday, although it won't be easy against her Serbian rival. Recommended Bets Back Hampton to beat Jankovic @ 3.2 Back under 18.5 games in Sharapova-Stephens @ 1.87 Bet HERE

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