There are two great semi finals for WTA Tokyo tennis betting to look out for. The WTA Tokyo Toray Pan Pacific event is a big one, attracting a large portion of the top ten players in the world to battle it out for a generous monetary prize. It is an odd time of the season for the players, with all Grand Slams having passed, so the next target is the end of season finale event, the WTA Championships which get underway at the end of October. Only the top ranked players in the world get there, so there is a chance to pick up late points to make it to the season closer. World Number One Caroline Wozniacki went into the tournament as one of the favourites, but was undone by a fight back from Kaia Kanepi in the third round. Kanepi has had a tough year, especially after being such a highly praised young talent, but she had enough in her to respond to the challenge of Wozniacki this time. Maria Sharapova was also one of the front runners but she was another who crashed out before the semi finals, going down to Petra Kvitova in the quarters finals, in a repeat of the Wimbledon final, which Kvitova won as well. So we have had surprises, and here is a tennis betting preview for the semi finals of the WTA Tokyo Toray Pan Pacific tennis event.
Agnieszka Radwanska v Victoria Azarenka
Belarusian Azarenka, who has come on leaps and bounds this season, secured her place in the semi final with a win over France’s Marion Bartoli. After a tight first set, Azarenka blitzed through the second set without dropping a game, and looks in fine shape. She was playing some very smart and intelligent tennis. She doesn’t have the flair and finesse of others, but what she does well, serving and playing from the back hand court, and she is growing. She faces Radwanska, who has shown good form, and beat Wozniacki’s conqueror Kanepi in the quarter finals. Radwanska also beat Jelena Jankovic, so she is moving quite well and a threat. However, while it could be a big power match, Azarenka should have the upper hand here and makes for a great overall winner bet in the tournament. The Belarusian has not dropped a set yet in the tournament, and while her talent looks a little raw at times, especially on the forehand, has the tools to go all of the way. Well worth backing Azarenka to lift the title and is good value, even as favourite of the remaining four.
Match Winner: Azarenka 4/9, Radwanska 2/1 at BetFair
Vera Zvonareva v Petra Kvitova
This looks like a great match up for a place in the final. Vera Zvonareva, who has disappointed quite a bit this season, finding it hard to live up to the success of last, made her way into the semi finals after seeing off Maria Kirilenko in the quarters. Zvonareva is still blowing a little hot and cold, and she held a perfect head to head record against Kirilenko ahead of this encounter too. The Russian has shown good patches of form in the tournament, but there is still a vulnerability about her. It will be interesting to see how she fares against Petra Kvitova. Kvitova was handed a semi final place when her quarter final opponent Maria Sharapova had to retire because of an ankle injury in the first set. We really haven’t seen the best of Kvitova since her triumph at Wimbledon. The big left hander is a wonderful talent, and is not far away from being one of the most complete players on the WTA Tour, and plays wonderful passing ground strokes. Neither of these have been in hot form, so it could be an enduring trial. Kvitova has power, Zvonareva just never gives up. Kvitova may be aided by the bit of extra rest though, and would edge her serve just to take this.
Match Winner: Zvonareva 7/10, Kvitova 5/4 at BetFair
WTA Tokyo Toray Pan Pacific Tennis Outright Winner Betting
Victoria Azarenka: 6/4 at SportingBet
Vera Zvonareva: 11/4 at Boylesports
Petra Kvitova: 4/1 at Totesport
Agnieszka Radwanska: 13/2 at Boylesports
Both of the semi final matches, as well as the doubles semi’s can be seen at BetFair Live Video streams. The online betting exchange gets you closer to the action, giving their customers the chance to watch the tennis tournament, while enjoying some live in play betting at the same time. This is part of a great live streaming service which BetFair provide. So if you want to see the WTA tennis action, head to BetFair for the live streams. Betting Exchange BetFair offer a £25 no risk free bet for new customers registering an account with them.
