US Open Women's Betting: Back Pennetta to coast by Rogers

Can Pennetta progress into the third round?

The second round of the US Open 2014 concludes on Thursday and Abelson Info question whether or not more surprises are on the way...

It was certainly an interesting day in New York on Wednesday with a number of upsets, most notably both Agnieszka Radwanska and Sloane Stephens crashing out of the tournament.

Whether or not there is a repeat on Thursday remains to be seen, but some of the top seeds are back in action as they look to march on in search of lifting the final major of the season.

Two-time defending champion Serena Williams dispatched of Taylor Townsend in convincing fashion in the opening round, and she is now faced with another American in Vania King.

The world number one is aiming for her 18th Grand Slam title, and with King going 0-3 against world number ones with just two wins over Top 10 players in her entire career, this will likely be one-way traffic for the majority of the match.

Naturally, Williams is considered a huge favourite and that is reflected in her match odds, however, there is value to be had in the games market.

Meanwhile, Victoria Azarenka is also in action as she takes on Christina McHale, and judging from her struggles in the first round, this could be a tricky proposition for the Belarusian.

Azarenka needs to reach the semi-finals in order to protect her Top 20 status, but after her three-set victory over Misaki Doi, she will arguably just be aiming at making it one round at a time.

Although the head-to-head record reads 1-1, McHale's victory came by way of retirement and in the other meeting she was thrashed without recording a single game.

As a result, the American will be looking for revenge and although perhaps unlikely, Azarenka still isn't at top form and is undoubtedly prone to an upset.

Elsewhere, Eugenie Bouchard will be looking to maintain her impressive Grand Slam record this year as she takes on Sorana Cirstea, while in-form Ana Ivanovic returns to the court for her second round match with Karolina Pliskova.

However, the value bets are elsewhere as Sam Stosur faces a tricky but very winnable second round clash with Kaia Kanepi.

The Australian ace has split her previous two meetings with her Estonian rival, but she did seal a straight sets win over her in Moscow last year on this surface and after an impressive win last time out she will fancy more of the same.

Flavia Pennetta will also be confident of her chances of progressing to the third round, as the Italian returns to the scene of one of her most impressive tournament runs last year.

The world number 12 has come a long way over the last 12 months or so, and she appears to be in no mood to throw her hard work away after coming through a gruelling three-set match with Julia Goerges earlier this week.

Although Rogers will be difficult, back Pennetta to have an easier day on Thursday to take her place in the next round.

Recommended Bets:
Back Pennetta to beat Rogers 2-0 @ 2.1211/10
Back Under 16.5 Games in S Williams vs King @ 1.9210/11
Back Azarenka to beat McHale 2-1 @ 4.1n/a