Maria Sharapova has opened as third favourite for the Indian Wells title when the first outright odds were released today.

Expekt have the first odds and they have placed Sharapova as +900 (9/1) for the title behind Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters.

The Williams sisters are not competing but Expekt’s confidence in Sharapova is interesting given her inconsistency at the moment.

She won a title in Memphis last month without dropping a set but it was a very weak event and Sharapova did not have to beat an opponent in the world’s top 50 along the way.

She has not really featured in any of the last three grand slams, her best result being a third round appearance at the US Open and she exited at the first hurdle in Melbourne in January.
However she is a past champion in Indian Wells (she won the title in 2006) and last year she reached the semi-finals before losing a very tight three setter in Svetlana Kuznetsova. Plus when she does hit form it tends to be on the North American hard courts.

Our recommendation for Sharapova supporters is to back her lightly as at +900 you do not have to risk much for a potentially good return.

Register with Expekt to bet on WTA tennis

You can watch Indian Wells live for free on bet365. To watch, simply follow these 3 simple steps:

1. Go to bet365 and sign-up or register (it's free)
2. Click on Sports > Live Streaming > Tennis
3. Watch Indian Wells for free