WTA Finals Red Group: Halep and Sharapova feature on day one

Shock US Open champion Pennetta is her first challenger, and Halep is odds-on at 2/5 to defeat the Italian veteran, who retires from the sport after this tournament.

However, Pennetta boats a 4-1 career record over the rising Romanian star, so is a tempting 2/1 shout.

None of their five meetings have gone the distance – the one time it did go the three sets Halep had to retire hurt – and each have beaten the other this year. The 24-year-old is an even-money chance to win 2-0, but Pennetta is more tempting at 4/1 for that same scoreline in her favour.

Maria Sharapova v Agnieszka Radwanska

As for 2004 WTA Finals champion Sharapova, there is no doubt that she has dominated her first opponent Radwanska, having beaten her 12 times in 14 meetings before. It is a surprise, therefore, that both are priced odds-on at 10/11 to win.

That could be perhaps due to the fact that the Pole is in great current form, having claimed two titles recently (Tianjin and Pan Pacific Opens).

But it is very difficult to see past the five-time Grand Slam winning Russian (6/1 title chance), who has beaten Radwanska in each of their last five head-to-heads.

In fact, the duo met at this stage of this event last year, with Sharapova triumphing in three sets. So, back her at 3/1 to do so once more.

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Coral’s top tip: Sharapova beat Radwanka 2-1 here last year, so is very tempting at 3/1 to do so again.