US Open Women's Betting: Azarenka to storm past Vesnina

Azarenka looks a good bet against Vesnina

The third round concludes on Saturday but with more top seeds crashing out of the tournament, Abelson Info take a closer look at the remaining pack...

Friday produced its fair share of upsets with Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber and Venus Williams all losing much earlier than expected.

Add that to the top seeds that we have already lost and suddenly the field is becoming a little more interesting, with a realistic prospect of seeing a surprise package emerge in the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, world number one Serena Williams will be in no mood to join those big names on their way home, as she looks ahead to her next test against Varvara Lepchenko.

The top seed has coasted through her opening two matches, dropping just one game last time out against Vania King, and she now faces another fellow American en route to defending her crown.

The two-time defending champion is a huge favourite to emerge from her quarter of the draw, and with her only real test expected in the semi-finals, she will be hoping to continue to do a professional job against inferior opposition.

She has won both her previous meetings with Lepchenko with minimal fuss, and we envisage this encounter going the same way so the games market is worth investigation.

Elsewhere, Victoria Azarenka continues on her comeback trail as after struggling in the opening round, she produced a solid performance to overcome Christina McHale.

The Belarusian is undoubtedly still working her way back to top form and fitness, but her winning pedigree hasn't left her and she is showing signs of getting back to somewhere near her best.

Having made the final in New York last year, she will be desperate to produce a repeat performance, but while it will get tougher soon enough, she will be confident of her chances against Elena Vesnina.

Azarenka has won all five of their previous meetings, the last two at Grand Slams last year, and perhaps the most telling statistic of all is that all five victories have come in straight sets.

This isn't a vintage version of Azarenka, but she clearly has the beating of her rival and as she continues to display signs of improvement, back her to get the job done.

Meanwhile, we expect Flavia Pennetta to also come through in straight sets against American youngster Nicole Gibbs, particularly as the latter has already come through back-to-back gruelling three-set matches.

The Italian will be the fresher of the two and she can use her experience to get the better of her opponent which will result in a favourable looking fourth round clash against either Casey Dellacqua or Karolina Pliskova.

Following Pennetta into the fourth round will be Eugenie Bouchard, as the Canadian ace continues to show an ability to produce her best at the majors.

Despite struggling in the build up to this tournament, the world number eight is back doing what she does best, winning matches.

Recommended Bets:
Back Under 16.5 Games in Williams-Lepchenko @ 1.9520/21
Back Azarenka to beat Vesnina 2-0 @ 1.75/7
Back Bouchard to beat Strycova 2-0 @ 2.186/5