Rafael Nadal went into the Australian Open final as the bookmakers’ underdog, with Bet365 happy to offer 6/4. A barking price considering that he had won his last 4 matches against Roger Federer. Rafa beat the player of the tournament, Verdasco, whilst Roger beat Roddick with ease in his semi-final.

The money came in for Federer, who was the 4/6 favourite to win his 14th Grand Slam. We kept the faith in our 4/1 tip Nadal, telling readers that ‘he shouldn’t be dismissed’.

Before the tournament even began, we recommended Nadal as a strong bet to win the tournament at 4/1, steering readers past the overbet Andy Murray.

With question marks over Federer’s 2008, I’m happy to take 4/1 for Nadal to win. The reason Nadal’s odds are inflated is that he’s been out of action for 2 months with tendonitis, and he recently lost a match to Gael Monfils (66/1). That was a 2 set match and I’d expect him to give a better showing in Melbourne. He won the Olympic title on a similar surface last year in Beijing.

Perhaps you missed out on the 4/1 value bet of the tournament, well yesterday we pointed out some stunning value to be had before the final.

I won’t be topping up my Nadal bet, but those who didn’t take the price when advised to can have a look at the Set Betting. If you fancy an epic, Nadal is 6/1 with Sky Bet to win 3-2.

The 10/1 for Nadal to win the ‘Grand Slam’ was ‘bound to give you a run for your money’, and you wouldn’t bet against the World No.1 now. William Hill would, and they hold out at 11/1.

Nadal started as the outsider, but managed to break Federer in the first game of the match. Federer fought back gamely, which saw Nadal’s odds drift to 5/2 in running. Even though Fed won 1 more point than Nadal in the match, Nadal saw off his challenge in the first 5 set final in 21 years.

bookies.com compares tennis odds between the top UK bookmakers:

How many Grand Slams will Nadal win? Betting

Wimbledon 2009 Betting

French Open 2009 Betting

The first Grand Slam of the year gets under way on Monday in Melbourne, and the Mens Betting is very tight at the top. At one point, it looked like Andy Murray would be sent off favourite, but Roger Federer is 11/4 after winning the Kooyong Classic.

Murray is 3/1 with Sportingbet, although most high street bookies are only prepared to lay you 5/2. He has beaten Federer twice this year and also Rafa Nadal in the Abu Dhabi exhibition tournament. He also won the Doha tournament last year, but crashed out to Tsonga in the Australian Open last year. If you are tempted by Murray, have a look at the specials markets where Skybet are offering some tasty prices.

You can get 12/1 that he wins the title after saving match point in any match, or 33/1 to win the title without dropping a set. My advice is to not get carried away, as I think this Murray-mania means there is good value to be found elsewhere. If you aren’t a fan, how about 6/5 that he doesn’t win a set 6-0? Also of interest could be his stage of elimination – Boylesports offer 15/2 for him to crash out in the Quarter Finals.

With question marks over Federer‘s 2008, I’m happy to take 4/1 for Nadal to win. The reason Nadal’s odds are inflated is that he’s been out of action for 2 months with tendonitis, and he recently lost a match to Gael Monfils (66/1). That was a 2 set match and I’d expect him to give a better showing in Melbourne. He won the Olympic title on a similar surface last year in Beijing.

His draw is fine, and it looks like the first real test will be Murray in the semis. Players to watch out for on the way are 250/1 Hewitt and 150/1 Gasquet. Richard Gasquet is extremely talented, but I will only take a financial interest on the grass surface. He is currently 66/1 for Wimbledon.

8/1 Novak Djokovic lost out in the ATP Sydney to Jarkko Nieminen, who is a 300/1 shot. David Nalbandian beat him in the final, and will go into the Australian Open full of confidence. He has been cut into 20/1 from 60s, and looks to have the best outside chance. You can get 4/1 with Skybet that someone from outside the ‘Big 4′ wins the Mens title this year.

Recommendation:

3pts @ 4/1 Nadal to win Australian Open

5ps @ 6/5 Andy Murray NOT to win a set 6-0

bookies.com compares tennis odds between the top UK bookmakers:

Australian Open Mens Winner Betting

Australian Open Mens Will There be a New Winner? Betting

Australian Open Mens Big 4 v The Field Betting

Australian Open Andy Murray Specials

Australian Open Mens Winning Nation Betting

Australian Open Mens Federer to Lose Set Betting

Australian Open Womens Title Betting

Australian Open Womens Williams Sisters v The Field Betting