US Open Tip: Vera Zvonareva e/w

With Serena Williams offered up at prohibitive odds of 13/8, we again find ourselves looking to the each-way market for a dose of good value. Vera Zvonareva fits the bill at 16/1 with Bet365; if she simply repeats her final appearance of 12 months ago, we will be paid out at half the odds.

The world number two actually made the finals of consecutive Grand Slams in 2010. Serena stopped her claiming glory at Wimbledon but Jankovic, Clijsters and Pironkova were notable scalps up to that point. At Flushing Meadows the Russian also defeated current world number one Caroline Wozniacki before Clijsters proved too strong in the final. Those experiences should only serve the 26-year-old well if she gets another opportunity this time around.

Zvonareva arrives in New York with some decent form to her name this summer as well. She won her 12th WTA title at the Baku Cup before immediately following that with a run to the final at Carlsbad, California. Although Maria Sharapova triumphed in the semi-finals in Cincinnati, it has been a productive hard-court season up till now. Known as a temperamental player, if she can keep that in check, Zvonareva has all the technical aspects to her game needed for success.

A pattern for first-time Grand Slam winners has recently been set in the women’s game. Li Na was victorious at Roland Garros, but only after losing in the final of the Australian Open first. Petra Kvitova won Wimbledon having never reached that stage of a major before. With Serena still looking a little fragile at times, this could be the moment when Vera Zvonareva can follow in their footsteps. Back her each-way at 16/1, and you’ll get paid out at 1/2 odds if she reaches the final.