French Open Betting / Ben Caudell / 03 June 2010 /

The Aussie has seen off the two market leaders en route to the semi-final but she has a poor record against today's opponent and could struggle. Ben Caudell selects the best bets from Roland Garros.

Samantha Stosur (AUS) v Jelena Jankovic (SRB)

I expect the eventual French Open champion to come from one of these two semi-finalists. Stosur, the muscular Australian, had her break-through last year, after a run to the same round at Roland Garros. This year, she may well have the self-belief to go all the way. She has already exceeded all expectations at this year's event by defeating the top two favourites, Justine Henin and Serena Williams, and now finds herself facing Jelena Jankovic of Serbia, a player she has a losing head-to-head record against 3-1.

Jankovic has had a relatively comfortable passage to the last four, dropping just a single set. Her form on the clay is similar to that of the Australian, both are 8-2; Stosur is 9-1 at the French Open and Jankovic 8-2. Stosur's record on clay throughout 2010 reads slightly better with 19 wins and only two losses being against Henin and Venus Williams. She is probably the hottest player on the WTA at the moment, her serve is her biggest weapon and her fitness and physical strength is un-rivalled on the tour.

I believe the value is definitely with Jankovic, the Serbian has previously played in five semi-final Grand Slam matches, this will be her third semi-final appearance at Roland Garros so will therefore be better prepared for the occasion than her opponent. If Jankovic exposes Stosur's backhand weaknesses and keeps the ball away from her run-around forehand then I can see the Serbian dictating the state of play. We all know about Jankovic's defensive qualities so expect a close contest between attacker and counter attacker, a close match to call but value pick is with Jankovic.

Recommended bets:
Back Jelena Jankovic @ [2.38] to win match
Back Jankovic 2-0 @ [4.2]

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

:

:

:

?

: