French Open Day 12 Picks 2013 (June 6th)

The French Open 2013 has reached the business end of the tournament and Thursday will all be about the Women's Semi Finals. The three favourites have all reached this stage, as has last year's runner up and that should lead to an entertaining day for the fans attending the grounds for the day.


Victoria Azarenka v Maria Sharapova: Both of these players would consider the clay courts as their worst surface, but both Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka have certainly gotten more comfortable on the surface.

I would say that both do feel they have to focus a little more on the clay courts, but that should not take away from the fact that this is going to be a closely contested match that could go either way. However, I do feel Azarenka can come through as the underdog as her game is capable of causing Sharapova plenty of problems.

I would say that the Russian has the more effective serve and she has won both matches against Azarenka on the clay courts, although one of those was on a retirement. A little over a year ago was the last time they played on a clay court and Sharapova dominated that match, but I feel the last couple of tournaments has shown that Azarenka is much more comfortable on the slower surface now.

The match will likely be very close with one or two points being the difference at key points, but I do think Azarenka is capable of ending the defending Champion's run here and I see her coming through.


Serena Williams - 6.5 games v Sara Errani: The spread is a touch on the high side, but I do feel Serena Williams is going to go on and win this tournament after coming through the scare she had in the Quarter Final with Svetlana Kuznetsova.

The weather is getting warmer in Paris and that will mean the court is drier, making it easier for Williams to use her advantage in the power category to total effect in this one. Serena's serve will also be given a little extra bite and it is hard to figure how Sara Errani will be able to keep this one close.

Errani can at least point to the fact that she has won her first match against a top five player in the last Round, while she is at her most comfortable on the clay courts, while the Italian also pushed Williams, relatively, in Madrid last month.

Both of their previous meetings on the clay courts have been tough and relatively close compared with the other three matches, but Williams may be able to come through a little more easier this time. I am expecting Errani to cause some problems with the variation she can use, but I expect Serena to dictate the majority of the rallies from the back of the court and I think the conditions will suit her more.

I believe the World Number 1 wins 63 62.


MY PICKS: Victoria Azarenka @ 2.10 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Serena Williams - 6.5 Games @ 1.80 Sky Bet (2 Units)

French Open Update: 17-13, + 6.58 Units (58 Units Staked, + 11.34% Yield)