WTA Sony Open Betting: Serena eyeing place in quarter-finals

Serena has looked a worthy favourite...

With the draw in Miami taking shape, Serena Williams is back in action on Monday following a weekend full of surprises. It's back to business for the American world number one as she looks to secure her place in the quarter-finals.

Williams has been dominant in both of her matches thus far, dropping just two games in her opening clash against Flavia Pennetta before brushing aside Ayumi Morita. She now faces 13th seed Dominika Cibulkova who has yet to drop a set herself this tournament.

Cibulkova has looked determined so far but such is the form of her American opponent it is difficult to see how she can navigate her way past the top seed. This is reflected in Serena's favourable odds, as she is a sure-fire bet to advance at the expense of the Slovakian.

Should she win, there is a potential clash with Na Li to look forward to in the next round as the fifth seed opens the day's play against surprise package Garbine Muguruza. The Spanish wildcard entrant has already sent two top seeds home, including a straight sets win over Caroline Wozniacki.

But Li has looked sharp, shaking off an ankle injury that had kept her off the court since the Australian Open to breeze through her opening two matches. On paper this would seem a comfortable win for Li, but given the unpredictability offered by Muguruza there could be another upset on the cards.

Despite the temptation to side with the underdog to deliver again, back Li to see off the Spanish challenge and set up a mouth-watering clash against Serena.

Elsewhere in the top half of the draw, another wildcard entrant has made the news this past week as Ajla Tomljanovic has taken advantage of a favourable draw. The Croatian takes on 30th seed Kirsten Flipkens on Monday, who should prevail after ending Petra Kvitova's tournament in the last round.

Defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska is also in action as she faces Sloane Stephens for a place in the quarters. Following Venus Williams' withdrawal with injury, Stephens received a walkover and that inactivity could hinder her chances against the fourth seed. The pair have met just once before, with the Polish ace coming out on top in three sets in Cincinnati last year. Back her to produce a repeat performance in Miami.

The bottom half of the draw will also become clearer on Monday, as all 16 remaining ladies are in action. While Maria Sharapova will be confident of overcoming Klara Zakopalova for the fifth straight time in meetings between the two, the tie of the round could come in the form of Sara Errani taking on Ana Ivanovic.

Neither have dropped a set in Miami as of yet, with the Italian losing just one game in her demolition job of Simona Halep in the last round.
However, Ivanovic has been in fine form too and she is worth a small investment to causing an 'upset' against the eighth seed.

Angelique Kerber's conqueror, Sorana Cirstea, takes on Jelena Jankovic while Roberto Vinci faces Alize Cornet in the remaining matches. Cirstea was unplayable on Sunday, while Jankovic battled past Nadia Petrova. Back the Romanian to deliver while a weary Cornet will fall to Vinci after gruelling back-to-back three setters.

Recommended Bets:
Back S. Williams -6.5 games vs Cibulkova @ 1.635/8
Back Li to beat Muguruza 2-0 @ 1.625/8
Back Ivanovic to beat Errani @ 2.526/4
Back Over 20.5 games in Radwanska vs Stephens @ 1.875/6
Back Cirstea to beat Jankovic @ 2.021/1