Auckland Open Semifinals Odds & Pick: Williams vs Anisimova

• Serena Williams and Amanda Anisimova will face each other in the semifinals of the Auckland Open today at 10:15 pm EST
• This will be the first time the American players will play each other
• The winner of this match will face either Caroline Wozniacki or Jessica Pegula in the finals

The second semifinals of the Auckland Open will take place tonight at 10:15 pm EST between Americans Serena Williams and Amanda Anisimova. This is the first time the 18-year old will play the 38-year old, and she says it’s a dream come true to be playing the superstar.

Serena Williams vs. Amanda Anisimova Odds

Odds taken Jan. 10.

Anisimova’s Road to the Semifinals

Anisimova is one more young phenom that stands in between Serena Williams and another final. Anisimova beat Canadian, Eugenie Bouchard on Friday, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. She was able to pick up the victory despite losing her concentration and dropping five serves in a row.

Serving up a spot in the semifinals 💪

Amanda Anisimova battles past Bouchard 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 to set up a clash with Serena Williams.#TeamUSATennis | @AnisimovaAmanda pic.twitter.com/7XwWCBxMH0

— USTA (@usta) January 10, 2020

Prior to beating Bouchard, Anisimova defeated her other opponents at the Auckland Open in straight sets. She beat Kateryna Kozlova, 6-3, 6-4, and Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-4. The young American said that the thought of playing Serena Williams is what made her so nervous in her quarterfinals match, leading to losing her concentration.

Williams’ Road to the Semifinals

Serena Williams has officially started her fourth decade on tour and has had a fairly strong start to 2020. The tennis superstar was the top seed in this tournament and has yet to disappoint. Williams beat Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-3, in straight sets in her quarterfinal match on Thursday.

No.1 seed @SerenaWilliams steps into the semifinals at @ASB_Classic! 6-4, 6-3 over Siegemund. pic.twitter.com/RgExcw8vwh

— wta (@WTA) January 10, 2020

Williams was able to overcome a break down in the second set to beat Siegemund and was able to convert three of her five break points.

Williams who is currently playing with Caroline Wozniacki in doubles has the opportunity to play with her, as well as against her in the finals, if she were to win her semifinal match.

Head-to-Head

The two Americans have never faced each other before, so there’s not much to take from. You have Serena Williams, one of the best tennis players in the world playing an 18-year old up-and-coming player who’s bound to give her a good match.

With Williams being one of Anisimova’s idols, you have to imagine that she’s taken some things from her game. She has a strong serve and has proven to play amongst some of the best, beating Simona Halep last year. But if she can’t contain her nerves and emotions while playing against Serena Williams, she will have a tough time taking a set away.

Amanda Anisimova – now coached by Carlos Rodriguez – is into her first SF since Roland Garros last year.

Her backhand remains so pure. And she’s showing intent to come forwards.

Next up: Serena Williams. 🔥

Also: a good week for Genie Bouchard. Her first wins since February.

— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) January 10, 2020

Williams who will be taking on someone who is 20 years her junior, is still the favorite to win the match and move on to the finals. Her -285 is well the favorite compared to Anisimova’s +225. But seeing this is the first time the two will face each other, it will be a good indication on how the young American handles herself in a match like this. But for the match tonight, Williams is the easy bet.

Best Bet: Serena Williams (-285)