The Overrule: WTA Rome

By Sports Magician

Serena Williams hasn't won the title in Rome since 2002, but she can end that barren spell this week. A number of the likely suspects have fallen by the way side and the bottom half of the draw in particular has been decimated. The winner will almost certainly come from the top half of the draw and we are given the opportunity to back Serena at appealing odds because of the good form of Jelena Jankovic and Venus Williams. Jankovic meets Serena’s sister Venus on Thursday with the winner to face either Serena or Maria Kirilenko.

The world number one has eased her way into the tournament, while Jankovic and Venus have looked strong. In light of that both players have seen their prices drop sharply, leaving Serena as the marginal favourite. The reality is that this is the time in a tournament where Serena begins to bring out her A-game and with Justine Henin having already made a statement on clay this season, Serena now has her chance to make her own ahead of the French Open.

PICK: 5*SERENA WILLIAMS WIN ROME @ 3.50 (BET 365 / PADDY POWER / BETFRED)

Sports Magician