Bookies Blog

Olympic Champion Elena Dementieva looks like a terrific bet on paper at 8/1, to win the Australian Open. She has just won 2 WTA titles in Australia – Auckland and Sydney. The world No. 4 is unbeaten in 10 matches and has been cut by some bookmakers to 13/2.

Everything in place for a cast-iron bet. But her form needs closer inspection – she has never won a Grand Slam and hasn’t reached a final since 2004, where she lost 2 in straight sets. Recent form is one thing, but if she has a temperamental problem at Grand Slams it will pay to oppose her, at least until she wins one.

Venus Williams is just shading favouritism on Betfair, but most bookmakers go 7/2 for both Williams sisters. Serena has won the Australian Open 3 times in the last 6 years, but pundits still give Venus a better chance this year. Serena only managed to win 4 games against Dementieva in Sydney, but has won the Open on alternate years: 2003, 2005 and 2007.

Victor Chandler go evens that one of the sisters wins it, but I’d probably be on the 4/5 side of the fence – any other player to win. As well as having 10/1 Safina on your side, you’d also have the likes of 7/1 Jankovic and 12/1 Ivanovic. World No.1 Jankovic is still a maiden, which is why many will prefer to pick one of the Williams sisters.

Of those at bigger prices, Canbet’s 100/1 for Amélie Mauresmo looks far too big. She beat Ivanovic 6-3 6-2 in Brisbane but had to pull out of the semis with an injury. She is feeling better now and won this tournament in 2006.

Recommendation:

2pts 4/5 Winner not to be a Williams Sister

1/2 pt @ 100/1 Mauresmo to win Australian Open 2009

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

Australian Open Womens Title Betting

Australian Open Womens Williams Sisters v The Field Betting

Australian Open Mens Winner Betting

Australian Open Mens Will There be a New Winner? Betting

Australian Open Mens Big 4 v The Field Betting