WTA Kremlin Cup Quarters: Dushevina and Kleybanova on collision course

Moscow, Russia – The Russian duet of Vera Dushevina and Alisa Kleybanova are on a collision course in the semis at the Kremlin Cup. Neither is seeded in Moscow but they have managed to land a spot in the final eight amidst a relatively strong field of players to the delight of Russian fans. Can they go one better and set up a much-anticipated all-Russian semi-final.

Dushevina has the easier path to the semis as she is set to take on unseeded Bulgarian Olga Govortsova. There is every indication she will advance into the semis.

Meanwhile, Kleybanova has a much tougher opponent in second seed Jelena Jankovic to overcome. Kleybanova is an up-and-coming player and there has been a lot of talk about her this season. This match will be a litmus test for her and the perfect opportunity to prove she is indeed worthy of all the discussion.

Tennis Betting Line: Olga Govortsova +145 Vera Dushevina -190

Match Time: 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday October 23, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: World No. 51 Vera Dushevina has had an encouraging season and ahead of the Kremlin Cup, compiling a 31-19 mark and winning her maiden WTA title. She improves to 33-19 by reaching the quarters at the expense of qualifier Voskoboeva and unseeded Szavay.

Dushevina impressed against Venus Williams at the US Open this season, taking the much-favoured American to a third and deciding set in their first round encounter. Though she lost 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-3, she did so narrowly and respectably.

It will be the first career meeting between Dushevina and Govortsova but you have to give the edge to Dushevina. She is on form and has the home edge.

Tennis Free Picks: Dushevina in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Alisa Kleybanova vs. Jelena Jankovic

Match Time: 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday October 23, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: I really like the no nonsense 20-year-old Russian Alisa Kleybanova. She is such a refreshing departure from the current swat of drama queens and starlets in the women’s game that I would like nothing better than to see her advance in Moscow and possibly challenge for her maiden WTA title.

She has a tough course to navigate to the finale though. Next up is Jelena Jankovic – a prime example of the drama diva’s mentioned above but undeniably a good player.

Encouraging for Kleybanova is the fact that she got into the win column against Jankovic at the Rogers Cup this summer, beating the Serbian starlet and former world No.1 in the quarters 6-7(6), 7-6(7), 6-2.

Kleybanova will be looking to repeat her heroics against Jankovic before adoring Russian fans. Meanwhile, Jankovic will be looking for redemption. If Kleybanova hits the ball anywhere near as purely as she did in the last two sets of their encounter in Toronto, she should advance into the semis in Moscow and nick a second upset win over Jankovic.

Tennis Free Picks: Kleybanova in three sets