S.P.Read Esq: Lucie Safarova v Ana Ivanovic

Our daily columnist and pundit S.P. Read Esq. looks ahead to the semi-final match in the French Open on Thursday between SAFAROVA v IVANOVIC and finds the best opportunities available on Star Spreads, the home of sports spread betting.

‘Tomorrow is another day’ is a well known expression from the mists of time and despite Ana Ivanovic doing this column a favour when beating Elina Svitolina in the quarter finals at Roland Garros I want to be against her in the semi-finals in favour of Lucie Safarova.

Both players came through their respective quarter finals in straight sets but there were still signs with Ivanovic that she can quickly come off the rails if things start going against her. Perhaps it’s a confidence thing, but given she won the title seven years ago that shouldn’t really be a factor and this is the first time she has progressed past the fourth round since that win.

Lucie Safarova from the Czech Republic beat Garbine Muguruza 7-6 (7/3) 6-3 in the quarter finals having previously knocked out Maria Sharapova.

Safarova has beaten the Serbian Ivanovic five times in their last six meetings but it was Ivanovic who won their most recent match-up in Tokyo last year.

However, it’s also a repeat of the third round last year which saw Safarova win 6-3 6-3.

Ivanovic said of her opponent: “She’s a great player, she’s showed that many times. Last year I had a two set loss to her. It’s going to be tough matchup for me, so I really want to focus. She’s obviously a lefty, she gets lots of balls back, she’s very heavy, very aggressive.”

In the other semi-final Serena Williams is long odds-on to get the better of 23rd seed Timea Bacsinszky but the Star Spreads trade for me is to buy Safarova’s win index at 14.

CLICK FOR SAFAROVA v IVANOVIC MARKETS ON STAR SPREADS

RECOMMENDED BETS (scale 1-100 points)

BUY SAFAROVA win index for 30 points at 14 points with Star Spreads

JUNE PROFIT: 337.50 points

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.