2010 Australian Open Betting Tips

A general view of the Rod Laver Arena during the quarter-final match between Roger Federer of Switzerland and Tommy Robredo of Spain on day nine of the Australian Open 2007 As the clash of the tennis titans at Melbourne approaches, the focus will be on the possible contenders for the men's and women's singles titles.

Men's Singles Betting Tips

Andy Murray

Andy Murray will be carrying Britain's hopes on his shoulders in Melbourne. Murray has been promising to come up with a grand slam title for the past two seasons, and with his ability on hard courts will be targeting the 2010 Australian Open title.

Murray's fitness levels and mental toughness have come on in leaps and bounds over the past two seasons, and all that has been missing are the small moments of fortune that would allow him to put away top ranked players for several consecutive matches. Odds on Murray are likely to be generous, and he looks like a good each-way bet in the outright markets.

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic  can't do worse than he did in the 2009 season, and his fans will be looking to him to bounce back to his best at the tournament he won in 2008. Djokovic has had the measure of both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the past, and could be a formidable opponent if he finds his rhythm.

Djokovic looks like another value bet for the Australian Open, and is likely to present the best odds of any of the top 5 players. We'd back Djokovic with an each-way bet, hoping to earn a return on our stake if he makes the final of the tournament.

Juan Martin del Potro

Juan Martin del Potro announced his arrival at the top of tennis by defeating Roger Federer in the final of the 2009 US Open. The young Argentinean has tended to peak late in the season, and will need to overcome this tendency to claim his second grand slam crown in Melbourne.

While del Potro is likely to enter the 2010 Australian Open ranked amongst the antepost favourites in the Australian Open betting markets, we're not convinced that he'll make it all the way to the final. If his odds are short enough he'd be an excellent candidate for a lay bet at Betfair ahead of the tournament.

Roger Federer

When the dust settles over Melbourne Park, many fans would expect Roger Federer to be the last man standing. Federer will be looking to avenge his 2009 loss to Rafael Nadal, and add another grand slam to his record-breaking title haul at the 2010 Australian Open.

Fed is likely to be the short-priced favourite for the 2010 Australian open, and is therefore unlikely to offer much value as a straight outright betting option. Given the fact that he's vulnerable on hard courts we'd say he's another good lay bet option at Betfair - particularly if his odds dip below Evens.

Women's Singles Betting Tips

The triumphant return of Kim Clijsters at the 2009 US Open may change the face of women's tennis in the 2010 season. With Maria Sharapova back at full fitness, Serena Williams in devastating form and the likes of Elena Dementieva and Svetlana Kuznetsova always in the mix, the 2010 Australian Open promises to be an open affair.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is likely to head the betting markets heading into the Australian Open. Williams returned to her best in the 2009 season, and despite her early exit from the 2009 US Open should be a force to be reckoned with at the Australian Open.

Tennis pundits selected Williams as the best player to lay at a betting exchange during the 2009 US Open, and their predictions proved to be accurate. While Williams is certain to put in a strong show in Melbourne, we're not sure she still has the hunger to last all the way, and once again mark her as the best lay bet in the women's draw.

Maria Sharapova 

Maria Sharapova made her comeback from injury during the second half of the 2009 tennis season. The Russian should be back to grand slam winning form in Melbourne, but will have a host of in-form seeds to contend with.

Sharapova should offer good value in the Australian Open outright betting markets, and would definitely be worth an outright each-way bet if her odds are over 4/1. The draw will be crucial to Sharapova's prospects at the event, so punters may want to wait until this is released before placing their bets.

Kim Clijsters

Kim Clijsters pulled off one of the most impressive career comebacks of all times at the 2009 US Open, beating a host of stars to take the title at the year's final grand slam tournament. The question is whether or not the Belgian can repeat her brilliant performance in New York and claim a second consecutive grand slam title.

Given the fact that her opponents in the WTA appear to be uniformally prone to inconsistent form, we're confident that Clijsters has what it take to reach the final of the Australian Open. Whether or not she merits an each-way bet will depend on her odds in the Australian Open betting markets ahead of the event.