WTA Betting: Back Wozniacki to steal the spotlight from Williams

Wozniacki looks a long price considering the draw...

All eyes are on Indian Wells for the next fortnight and Abelson Info look at the contenders that could stop Serena Williams...

Williams ends her 14-year exile this year after the controversial series of events back in 2001 marred her tournament.

She insists that all is forgotten but not forgiven, and she will likely use that previous experience to her advantage as she goes in pursuit of further triumph.

This Premier Mandatory event has certainly gone from strength to strength in that time, but it will do the organisers no harm to have one of the biggest names on the circuit back involved.

Given that Venus Williams and Petra Kvitova are the only players in the top 20 not to take part in the tournament, it promises to be an explosive two weeks of action with a significantly strong field in play.

It comes as no surprise that the world number one is considered the favourite to prevail as she is in any tournament that she enters, but there are a number of players that will likely give her a tough time.

The most sensible approach is arguably to look at the opposite half of the draw to the American and figure out who she might face in the final.

Admittedly, her ability to convert appearances in finals into tournament wins makes it a risky approach regardless, but it is worth expecting her to make it through to next Saturday's showpiece event.

Second seed Maria Sharapova is the obvious name that springs out from the bottom half of the draw, but with Victoria Azarenka potentially standing in her way in the third round, it might be wise to avoid backing either given the unpredictability of which way that will go.

Elsewhere, defending champion Flavia Pennetta is in the same quarter and faces a real tough run if she is to regain her crown, while there are several dangerous Rising Stars floating around including Caroline Garcia.

In the top half, third seed Simona Halep will also be keen to make an impact, but she could face a tricky looking third round clash with Garbine Muguruza and so again another top seed could be in danger of an early exit.

As a result, the safe bet would be backing Williams who is available at 2.35/4, but if you're looking for a bigger return then we're backing Caroline Wozniacki to come through.

The Dane arrives in California off the back of her tournament win in Kuala Lumpur and has previously won here back in 2011.

The 24-year-old thrives in these tournaments, and with as favourable a draw as she could possibly have asked for in the early stages, she will have an opportunity to find her feet which is something her rivals can't boast.

Sixth seed Eugenie Bouchard also falls into that category and we believe that the winner will emerge from that quarter.

Whether or not Williams is able to deal with the tournament physically, mentally and emotionally remains to be seen. However, what is certain is that she is a force to be reckoned with at anytime and anywhere, and it will take something special from her rivals to deny her.
Recommended Bets:
Back Wozniacki to win the BNP Paribas Open 2015 @ 19.018/1