The Pick presented by DraftKings Sportsbook: Ons Jabeur vs. Anett Kontaveit
The Tunisian is one win away from becoming the first Arab tennis player to crack the world's Top 10.
Thursday’s quarterfinal showdown between Anett Kontaveit and Ons Jabeur is shaping up to be a fantastic display of power, more power, and finesse.
Never before has a hardcourt rewarded Jabeur’s incredible touch, as the extreme grit is amplifying her already nasty drop shot even more so than a clay court. Proving an impossible court to hit through, the ball sits up on a tee, allowing Jabeur to fully utilize her raw power, accuracy and finesse on almost every shot.
But Kontaveit is loving this court as well. The red-hot Estonian will ride a nine-match win streak as she attempts to reach her fourth career WTA 1000 semifinal.
According to the oddsmakers, Kontaveit is listed as a slight -110 favorite in this pick-em. The weather in Indian Wells is mild, with a temperature of 75 degrees forecast for Thursday. There’s no question Kontaveit will bring a higher fitness level to the match, but Jabeur—who’s had a day off in between her three wins—will be well rested and plenty motivated. With a win, Jabeur will become the first Arab tennis player (man or woman) to crack the world’s Top 10.
This match really is a toss-up, but given Jabeur’s recent scorelines—she’s lost just eight combined games in her last two matches, I will be placing a small wager on the Tunisian. If you bet Jabeur, and she wins the first set, consider a small hedge on Kontaveit to win the match, and hopefully guarantee yourself a small payday.
The Pick: Ons Jabeur