Defending champion Novak Djokovic’s odds of winning a fourth successive Australian Open title have shortened from $2.00 into $1.83 at online bookmaker Sportingbet after the world number two received a favourable draw this morning.
Djokovic tops the betting ahead of Rafael Nadal at $3.25, Andy Murray at $9, Juan Martin Del Potro at $11 and Roger Federer at $17.
“Djokovic’s first real threat doesn’t come until the quarters where he’s likely to face $51 shot Stanislas Wawrinka. He’s the logical favourite to win his fifth Aussie title and he’s been extremely well backed to do so,” Sportingbet’s Andrew Brown said.
Lleyton Hewitt, who could face compatriot Marinko Matosevic in round 3 before a fourth round clash with Rafael Nadal, is Australia’s top hope at $81 according to betting. Bernard Tomic’s odds drifted from $101 to $151 after drawing Nadal in Round 1.
In the women’s draw, Serena Williams remains a clear-cut $1.75 favourite at Sportingbet to claim her sixth Australian Open. Victoria Azarenka is a $4 second favourite ahead of Maria Sharapova at $9 and Na Li at $11. Samantha Stosur is a $26 chance.
“Barring a potential clash with Stosur in round 4 and Na Li in the semi-finals, it should be smooth sailing to the final for Serena particularly with Sharapova and Azarenka in the other half of the draw,” Brown said.
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2014 Australian Open – Men’s winner
Sportingbet market
Novak Djokovic $1.83
Rafael Nadal $3.25
Andy Murray $9.00
Juan Martin Del Potro $11.00
Roger Federer $17.00
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga $34.00
Stanislas Wawrinka $51.00
Others $67+
Australian Open – Women’s winner
Sportingbet market
Serena Williams $1.75
Victoria Azarenka $4.00
Maria Sharapova $9.00
Na Li $11.00
Agnieszka Radwanska $21.00
Petra Kvitova $21.00
Samantha Stosur $26.00
Others $34+
