The 2012 Australian Open begins next week and like all ATP majors it looks like it is once again going to be a four horse race. Well actually, from looking at the odds, most people feel more like there is one clear favorite, with three other possible winners and the rest of the field are long shots. The Aussie Open sets the tone for the rest of the season, so you know all of the players will be ready to go and should be in peak physical condition after having all of December off. Let’s take a look at where you can find the best odds on each of the top contenders for winning the tournament.
Australian Open Winner Odds
- Novak Djokovic +143
- Roger Federer +495
- Andy Murray +555
- Rafael Nadal +735
- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga +2075
- Juan Martin Del Potro +2375
- Tomas Berdych +6000
- Milos Raonic +7000
I looked up the odds at each of our recommended online sportsbooks, but 5Dimes.com offered the best lines for every single player heading into the Australian Open. Visit 5Dimes.com to check for yourself and bet now.
As you can see Djokovic is a heavy favorite heading into the Australian Open, but Federer, Murray and Nadal are all being given an outside chance, while the following four contenders are long shots.
Australian Open Winner Prediction
I personally really like the Federer odds of +495. I feel that line holds a lot of value and if Federer can come back healthy from his back injury that forced him to leave the first injury of 2012 and regain the form that saw him win his last 20 matches he should be a fierce competitor in this tournament. The only problem I see with this wager is that Federer has been given the 3rd seed, which makes it likely for him to meet Djokovic in the semi-finals. This is not yet confirmed, but most tournaments have the 1st and 3rd seeds meeting in one semi, while the 2nd and 4th seeds meet in another (which makes no sense to me). That being said of all the players I believe Federer has the best shot at defeating Djokovic, but then he must also beat Nadal or Murray so it is twice as difficult for him.
The fact that Federer could take out Djokovic in the semi’s is another reason I think that a Murray wager would be a sharp Australian Open bet. Rafael Nadal has not been his best since last Roland Garros and I don’t expect him to find his game here. This means that Andy Murray should make the finals and against either Federer or Djokovic, Murray should have a fighting chance. Murray is due to win a major and at a tournament where he finished runner up two years in a row, this might be his year.
Plays: Roger Federer +495 and Andy Murray +555 (5Dimes.com)
Written by: Niko de Jonge
Andy Murray betting • Roger Federer betting