Best bets for Serena Williams in second round of the US Open against world No. 2 Anett Kontaveit
After a straights sets victory in the first round of the US Open, a meeting with the world No. 2-ranked player Anett Kontaveit awaits Serena Williams.
The match, set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET, will no doubt represent a significant challenge for Williams in her quest to go out on top with retirement pending after the tournament. But it might also be an early indicator of just how far the GOAT can go.
Williams has +170 odds to win at Tipico Sportsbook, which aren’t in her favor, but we aren’t about to bet against the GOAT in her last tournament, right? Besides, Kontaveit’s longer -220 odds don’t do much for anyone. If you’re picking a winner, it’s Williams. But there’s actually a better bet to make.
Kontaveit, 26, has never faced Williams, but she does hold an advantage in tournaments played this year, having reached three WTA finals including a win in February. However, she had lost three of her last four matches prior to Monday. And the one win in that span required three sets and a tiebreaker. That makes Williams winning a set at +140 odds my favorite bet from this match.
Williams obviously holds the edge in overall experience with 23 Grand Slam titles to her name, including six at the US Open, while Kontaveit has never advanced past the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam. Williams is also chasing history in this tournament, and her +4000 odds to win are as good as Kontaveit’s. If she loses, it won’t be without a fight. That means take her odds to win a set, but also take the over on 20.5 games at -125 odds.
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