JUSTINE HENIN AND JIE ZHENG BATTLE FOR A SPOT IN THE AUSSIE OPEN FINAL

Justine Henin, in just her second tournament back since reversing retirement, is a victory away from booking a spot in the title match, opposite Serena Williams. Standing in her way is diminutive, but no less inspiring, Jie Zheng of China who reaches only her second career grand slam semi-final in Melbourne. Come to think of it, Henin is a little babe as well. Height-ism (if this is not a word, consider it created), aside, both little babes are capable of playing big babe tennis, which should make for a dramatic and exciting match.
 The betting on it should be equally so as has rolled out a whole smorgasbord of betting options for ye tennis loyalists.
In the straightforward market, to win outright, the bookies are leaning towards Justine Henin, listed at a sublime 1/4 while Zheng carries a reasonable 11/4 price.  It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why the market so strongly backs Henin to advance into the final – proven championship pedigree and all the minor stuff – and more likely than not, she will come through on her stock value.
Zheng is not without a shot naturally. She has her day on court and until all is said and done one has to believe she has a chance, even if slim. Tennis bettors looking to back Zheng could do worse than back the spunky, spirited Chinese girl who has captured the imagination of tennis fans worldwide. You might remember she reached the Wimby semis two years ago.
The real value in this match is betting on the sets. Henin is trading at 4/6 to win 2-0, and 3/1 to win 2-1. Zheng weighs in at 11/2 to win 2-0 or 2-1. I fancy Henin to win in tight straight sets.
Henin to win the first set is offered at 4/11 while Zheng to seize the first set is trading at an interesting 2/1.
There are additional angles for profit on the handicap. Henin to cover the spread at -4.5 games 5/6 is well priced and I fancy will be the favoured play. Zheng is tipped equally to cover a +4.5 games spread, which is a reasonable bet if she manages to hang with Henin and play the score.