WTA Sony Open Betting: Serena set to end Radwanska's title defence

 

With the final of the Sony Open in sight, Agnieszka Radwanska faces the toughest challenge yet in the defence of her Miami crown as she prepares to face world number  one Serena Williams, with the odds stacked firmly against her.

 

Williams came through a potentially tricky quarter-final clash with Na Li unscathed, and in the process kept alive her ambition of surpassing Steffi Graf by securing a  record-breaking sixth Sony Open title.

 

On the other side of the draw, it has been more of a struggle for world number four Radwanska. The defending champion has now come through three consecutive three-set  matches and will be rigorously tested again in the semi-finals by a player she has never beaten. Serena has won all four of their previous meetings, dropping just one  set in that time in the final at Wimbledon last year.

 

However, the Polish ace has won 19 of 23 matches she has played in since the turn of the year and came through a grueling battle with 30th seed Kirsten Flipkens in the  quarter finals. Having dropped the first set and trailed by three in the second, Radwanska found a way as she so often does.

 

Despite Radwanska's indisputable talent and determination it is difficult to ignore the head-to-head record. Radwanska has consistently been unable to deal with what  Serena can throw at her and will likely struggle again despite her good form.

 

The Wimbledon final aside, she has given no impression in the pair's previous matches to suggest she can upset the odds, so a straight sets win along with the Under  19.5 games market, look very tempting.

 

Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic set up the other semi-final with wins over Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci respectively yesterday. The winner of this one will likely  have to prepare themselves for a final against the leading lady in the game.

 

The Russian world number two Sharapova had her first real test of the tournament against Errani, but eventually ground out a victory after two and a half hours of  play. That result ensured she stretched her winning streak to 10 straight matches, while also sealing 20 straight sets, the most in her tennis career to date.

 

Similarly to Serena, she also has the edge when it comes to the head-to-head record against her semi-final opponent. Sharapova and Jankovic have met seven times, with  the former winning six, although two of her wins have come via retirement.

 

The Serbian 22nd seed Jankovic has been in great form recently, winning nine of her last 10 matches. Her run to the last four has seen her defeat three fellow seeds,  with Vinci the first to take her to three sets.

 

Sharapova can expect a thorough test of her title credentials, as Jankovic looks to be returning to some of her best tennis. There is value in it being a real battle,  so expect at least one tie-break situation to be required to split the two.

 

Despite that, it is highly probable that the final in Miami on Saturday will pit the world's top two players against each other in what will undoubtedly be a  fascinating encounter.

 

Recommended Bets:

Back S. Williams to beat A. Radwanska 2-0 @ 1.47

Back Williams-Radwanska Under 19.5 games @ 1.83

Back Sharapova-Jankovic Over 18.5 games @ 1.8

Back Sharapova-Jankovic to go to a tie-break @ 3.05

 

Bet HERE

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