Each day our exclusive MATCH OF THE DAQ service previews the big match of the day – usually a televised game.
As well as the preview we also bring you the head to head records of the two teams as well as a recommended bet on BETDAQ for the match.
Maria Sharapova v Sabine Lisicki
Wimbledon Championship, Semi-finals
Start time: 14:45, BBC 1
HEAD-TO-HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
2011 (Miami) Sharapova bt Lisicki 6-2, 6-0
PREVIEW
Maria Sharapova is now the 2.27 favourite for the Women’s Wimbledon title after the Russian obliterated Dominika Cibulkova 6-1 6-1 in the quarter-finals. The Russian was in formidable form in her last match and is looking good to claim her first Grand Slam on grass since 2004. It’s no surprise to see Sharapova trading as short as 1.4 considering she has yet to drop a set on her way to the last four.
In a far more intriguing match, Sabine Lisicki battled through against Marion Bartoli and eventually won 6-4, 6-7, 6-1 having blown three match points. The wildcard became the first German to reach the semis since Steffi Graff in 1999. Her match under the roof of the centre-court lasted two hours and twenty minutes, so it’s clear to see who will be the fresher in the semi.
The pair have only met once before and that was earlier this year. Those backing the German at around 3.4 on the ‘Daq’ might well see that convincing two sets victory as a rather ominous sign. Another factor that may count against an upset is that Sharapova has plenty of experience on the big stage – winning the Australian Open, US Open and Wimbledon before.
Lisicki showed she has plenty of fighting spirit in the last round and the fact she’s a wildcard might just let her play without constraint. With all that said though, Sharapova looks to be back at her very best and has looked a class apart in the women’s draw. I’d recommend backing Sharapova at 2.02 to win 2-0 and reach the final without dropping a set.
RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back Sharapova in two sets at around 2.02: 4 points
Wednesday’s Return: -4.00 points
