US Open Women's Betting: Back Makarova to cause an upset against Azarenka

Makarova will pose a huge threat to Azarenka...

The defending champion is in action on Wednesday, and Abelson Info take a closer look at the remaining quarter-final clashes to see who will complete the semi-final line-up...

With Shuai Peng setting up a meeting with Caroline Wozniacki in the bottom half of the draw after both put on impressive displays, attention now switches to the top half as Serena Williams returns to centre stage.

The two-time defending champion has breezed through the tournament with minimal fuss thus far, winning all four of her matches in straight sets and not particularly troubled at any point.

As a result, the world number one is the 1.875/6 favourite to go on and lift a third consecutive US Open trophy, but standing in her way on Wednesday is an Italian who loves this major and is in good form.

Flavia Pennetta made it to the semi-finals in New York last year which helped propel her back up the rankings. Now sitting as the world number 12, the experienced Italian is also in the last four of the women's doubles with partner Martina Hingis.

However, she is likely to have a better chance of winning silverware with the Swiss ace by her side as she has never been able to defeat Williams in five attempts.

The closest she came was back in 2008 where she forced her American rival to go the distance in Miami, but in the four meetings since, including one at the US Open and in Cincinnati in the build-up to this tournament, it's been business as usual for Williams.

Given the number of upsets this tournament has seen over the past week-and-a-half, it would be foolish to completely dismiss Pennetta. However, it is difficult to see anything other than a Williams victory with the games market offering good value.

The other quarter-final taking place on Wednesday is undoubtedly a closer call, with a resurgent Victoria Azarenka facing Ekaterina Makarova.

The Belarusian made it all the way to the final here last year, and seemingly having put her injury woes behind her finally, she is relishing being back in the latter stages of a Grand Slam.

It's hasn't all been smooth sailing with a real test against qualifier Aleksandra Krunic last time out, but Azarenka has made it through and will be growing in confidence as a result.

However, Makarova sent Eugenie Bouchard packing in the last round and has a history of beating her next opponent. Azarenka leads their head-to-head record, 3-2, and perhaps key is that she has won both their meetings on this surface.

Nevertheless, she will have to be on top form as any dip could give Makarova the chance to pull off another upset. Those who fancy another shock should consider Makarova, who has appealing match odds in an encounter which screams potential slip-up.

Recommended Bets
Back Makarova to beat Azarenka @ 2.26/5
Back Under 18.5 Games in Williams-Pennetta 1.834/5