Monday, February 19, 2007

WTA TENNIS .....


Lisa Raymond has had a fantastic career and earned a LOT of money, very much a doubles specialist, where she has a "grand slam" of titles to her name, she remains very capable in singles events.


Raymond is extremely selective about the tournaments she competes in, but absolutely loves it in Memphis, where she has a wonderful record. Winning the title in 02 and 03, she was a finalist in 04 and last year lost to the eventual winner, Sofia Arvidsson, in two very close sets.


Raymond can boast a recent 12-2 win/loss record in the singles and 20-6 overall. In addition she is a two time doubles champion, including last year's event.


Today she meets Bethanie Mattek, the 21 yo American is 12 years Raymond's junior, but that is pretty much all you can say in her favour. Known for her crazy dress sense and not a lot else, she looks very much a journeywoman player and is 0-8 in Grand Slam events.


Given Raymond's outstanding history here and vast experience, 68 Grand Slam wins, 4 single and 62 doubles titles, I find it hard to understand why Mattek has been made favourite.


The younger player tends to exit tournaments, as soon as she meets a top 100 player and even at 33 years of age, Raymond could easily get her ranking much lower than that, if doubles was not such a money making machine ($7m) for her.


4 points Raymond to beat Mattek 2.14 Pinnacle, you will no doubt find something similar on the exchanges a little later.


Good Luck.

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