The Pick presented by DraftKings Sportsbook: Ons Jabeur vs. Anett Kontaveit

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