Prop Bets: Anastasia Zakharova VS Victoria Azarenka 2025-07-01
Wimbledon 2025: Victoria Azarenka vs. Anastasia Zakharova – A "Foregone Conclusion" with a Fighting Chance
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare for a match that’s about as surprising as finding a strawberry on a Wimbledon plate—predictable, but let’s see if the underdog can dip it in cream! Victoria Azarenka (WTA 87), a two-time Grand Slam champion and 2012 semi-finalist, steps onto the grass courts as the overwhelming favorite. Her odds? A laughable 1.16-1.19 (decimal) across bookies, implying a 86% chance to win. For context, Anastasia Zakharova (WTA 95) is priced between 4.5-5.4, which translates to a 18-22% chance—about the same odds as me correctly spelling "Wimbledon" after three slices of London pie.
The Spread: Azarenka is -5.5 games favorite (odds: 1.91-1.95), while Zakharova is +5.5 (1.81-1.87). If you’re betting on Zakharova to cover, you’re basically funding her dream of “roaring back from the dead” on grass. The total games line is locked at 19.5, with even money on Over/Under. Let’s assume this won’t be a five-set thriller—Azarenka’s shoulder injury this season hasn’t stopped her from winning 9 of 10 matches, including a recent two-set romp in Bad Homburg.
Why It’s Not All Doom for Zakharova: The Russian qualifier has grit. She’s a three-time ITF titlist and survived a 3.5-hour marathon in qualifying. But grass? That’s her weak sauce. Azarenka, meanwhile, has the experience of two Wimbledon semi-finals under her belt and the tactical nous to exploit Zakharova’s weaker backhand.
Player Props? None listed, but if there were a prop on “Azarenka’s pre-match playlist,” bet on 80s power ballads. Zakharova’s fighting spirit? Let’s call it “valiant” and move on.
Prediction: Azarenka in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. She’ll likely win by more than the spread (-5.5), making this a “safe” bet for casual gamblers. Zakharova might stretch a set, but unless she invents a new serve mid-match, it’s Azarenka’s day. The winner faces Cori Gauff or Dayana Yastremska next—a reminder that in tennis, second-round hell is real.
Final Verdict: Back Azarenka unless you’re a masochist. Or, as the bookies say, “Zakharova’s underdog odds are perfect for those who like to lose slowly.” 🎾🎾
Created: July 1, 2025, 10:34 a.m. GMT