Maria Sharapova has come in as an underdog against the defending champion.

Maria Sharapova has not exactly had a good draw in Slams this year as luck appears to have abandoned her a little bit.  Facing Justine Henin in the third round of the French Open was unfortunate as is facing Serena Williams in the 4th round of Wimbledon.  While you have to be able to beat anyone to take a Slam down, you'd still prefer the toughest opponents later in the draw as opposed to earlier.

Sharapova has only 2 career wins against Serena Williams in 7 attempts, a fact that makes the Russian a tough bet in this 4th round match.  SportingBet have Sharapova priced at +333 (10/3) and there are no odds better than that available on her at this point.

Williams is coming in at -350 (2/7) with SkyBet a line that you would have to pound to get a good return on.

The reason to feel a little bit of optimism with Sharapova is that she has been on fantastic form at Wimbledon 2010 so far. But while she has cruised through three rounds the same could be said of Williams, a fact that has made this match highly anticipated.

This match looks like it could be a three setter.  SportingBet have Williams winning 2-1 available at +333 (10/3) while Sharapova is priced at +850 (17/2) to win by that margin with the same sportsbook.  Due to how long the odds are you can hit both lines and profit should either one hit.

Our recommendation is to bet Sharapova at 2 sets to 1 quite lightly as the odds will provide a great return even on a small bet.  You may partly insure the line with a sprinkle on Williams at 2-1 as well.

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