Events / Ben Caudell / 04 April 2009 /

Ben Caudell on the betting ahead of the William v Azarenka final...

World number four Andy Murray reached his second straight Master Series 1000 final after a thrilling battle against 20-year-old Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro 6-1 5-7 6-2.

As predicted in yesterday's daily tipping section, Murray set about his task early on, forcing errors from his lanky opponent. As Del Potro struggled to find a way past Murray's dogged defensive play, the Brit grew in confidence mixing up the play and keeping Del Potro on his toes, out-playing his opponent in every department to win the first set 6-1.

Del Potro started the second set with a lot more aggression; his attacking play becoming more effective early on, creating doubts in Murray's mind especially on his serve. Del Potro took a 2-0 lead which was short lived because Murray immediately broke back. In the 12th game of the second set Del Potro finally broke the Murray serve to level the match at one set apiece.

But the Scot's flamboyant style of play came into effect again in the third and final set when the world number four earned an early break to lead 3-2. He then went on to break the Argentinean, who by now was suffering from cramp, before closing out victory after two hours and 17 minutes.

All three bets yesterday were successful: we backed Andy Murray to win match @ [1.4]; Over 23.5 games @ [1.9]; and Lay Andy Murray 2-0 @ [2.1].

Today's Women's Final Selections:

Serena Williams (USA) v Victoria Azarenka (BLR)
It will be extremely hard to oppose Serena Williams tonight in her quest to win a third consecutive title and an overall sixth title at the Sony Ericsson Open. Last year she defeated Jelena Jankovic to equal Steffi Graf's record of five titles, she has a 52-5 event record, and has already defeated her elder sister Venus Williams in the semi-finals 6-4 3-6 6-3.
Hoever, her passage to the final wasn't as clear cut as she would have liked. Serena has had three tough three set matches so far, and there are also questions being asked over her fitness coming into this match-up with Victoria Azarenka. The Belarusian has had a slightly easier route into the final although a three set semi-final match against Svetlana Kuznetsova tested her resolve to compete at the highest level.
We can't read too much into the head-to-head between these two, Serena leads 2-0 however their last meeting was cut short due to the retirement of Azarenka in the second set, Azarenka having won the first 6-3 will want to exact revenge and will be up for winning her third title of the year.
I can see this match going to three sets, with maybe another comeback from the brink of defeat for Williams on the cards.

Selections:

Back Over 21.5 Games @ [1.9]

Lay Serena Williams 2-0 @ [2.02]

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