Tennis Betting Australian Open Preview

 Tennis betting fans are in for treat this year as the season  proper starts with one of the most ‘open’ opens seen for many years. The  first major of the year is the Australian Open which gets underway  today. Whilst Novak Djokovic may have dominated the game in 2011, the  early part of this season may be a little different. The top tennis  players in both the men’s and the women’s draw are either aging,  carrying injuries, or in most cases, both.

In the men’s draw, Novak Djokovic had a sensational start to 2011,  however, injury caught up with him in the latter part of the year, and  still appears to be carrying an injury. Former number one Rafael Nadal  is also carrying an injury as is Roger Federer, and, to a lesser extent,  Andy Murray. This leaves the door open for some of the second tier  players to shine through.

On the women’s side of the draw, Venus Williams is out injured while  sister Serena is not 100%. Defending champ Kim Clijsters has a hip  injury while US Open and home town hero Samantha Stosur seems to be  suffering from stage fright. This may well open the door for some of the  younger women to challenge.

In Tennis betting sites ,  Petra Kvitova is favoured at 3/1 ahead if Serena Williams 4/1, Victoria  Azarenka 6/1 and Kim Clijsters at 10/1. Li Na at 12/1 is worth thought  as is Caroline Wozniacki at 16/1, however, she will have a tough opening  match against Anastasia Rodionova. Stosur is still worth some thought,  and with her odds drifting out to 20/1 with some bookmakers, a value  bet. Li Na is our outright tip – good value at 12/1.

Betting in the men’s event is not so open with Novak Djokovic  dominating at 7/5. Roger Federer is at 22/5 ahead of Andy Murray 13/2  and Rafael Nadal 8/1. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is next best at 22/1. Bernhard  Tomic is a local who defeated a good field to win the warm up event. At  33/1, he’s well worth a small bet. Others to keep an eye on include Gael  Monfils, Mardy Fish and Andy Roddick – they are all capable of winning  the Australian Open should the top for be found wanting. Our tip – it’s  hard to tip against Djokovic, however we are. We think this is Murray’s  best chance to win a Grand Slam so he heads our tips from Tomic and  Monfils.