Amelie may not have it all her own way

/ Editor / 20 September 2007 / Leave a Comment

Perfecseun previews Mauresmo's clash with Peng

A. Mauresmo (France) vs S. Peng (China)

Since the US Open, the tennis scene has died down a bit apart from the brilliant comeback of Lindsay Davenport who won at Bali in her comeback after having her first child. Women´s tennis has moved to the Far East like most events at this time of the year. The China Open quarterfinals line is quite appetizing with Amelie Mauresmo facing the home crowd favourite, Shuai Peng, in probably the toughest match of the day.

Chinese players have not really taken their game to the next level since they burst on the scene out of nowhere a couple of years back. They have been struggling for any sort of decent form or injury. Perhaps they are feeling the pressure pinch of being the hosts for Beijing 2008. Peng is one of those that have not lived up to the billing but home support has been good for her so far in this tournament. Her second biggest scalp this year is Hingis, whom she beat in her last match to reach the last eight.

Mauresmo is returning from an injury lay off and will have hoped for an easier opponent in the quarters. Peng is sure to make her work hard with the home crowd on her side. I am not a huge fan of backing players, no matter what ranking, coming into the fold after an injury break. Adrenaline will be high for Peng, the Chinese thrive on it when they play at home and for that reason this will be a much tougher contest for Mauresmo than the market suggests.

The pair have never met in any competition.

Suggested Bet: Lay A. Mauresmo to win 2-0 sets and small stakes Lay A. Mauresmo to win the match.