Australian Open 2015: Betting Odds and Preview for Top Seeds
Top seeds Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams will predictably start their 2015 Australian Open campaigns as the odds-on favourites, but they'll both face stiff competition from a strong field of contenders.
Women's defending champion Li Na won't be competing, but Maria Sharapova, Simona Halep and Caroline Wozniacki are all being tipped to give the American star some fierce competition.
The men's field looks even stronger in 2015, with Djokovic but one of many gunning for Stan Wawrinka's title. Here are the full betting odds for the top seeds, courtesy of Oddsshark.com:
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| 1 | Novak Djokovic | 1-1 | Serena Williams | 9-4 |
| 2 | Roger Federer | 5-1 | Maria Sharapova | 5-1 |
| 3 | Rafael Nadal | 10-1 | Simona Halep | 7-1 |
| 4 | Stan Wawrinka | 12-1 | Petra Kvitova | 10-1 |
| 5 | Kei Nishikori | 12-1 | Ana Ivanovic | 18-1 |
| 6 | Andy Murray | 7-1 | Agnieszka Radwanska | 20-1 |
| 7 | Tomas Berdych | 40-1 | Eugenie Bouchard | 12-1 |
| 8 | Milos Raonic | 33-1 | Caroline Wozniacki | 9-1 |
| 9 | David Ferrer | 66-1 | Angelique Kerber | 40-1 |
| 10 | Grigor Dimitrov | 20-1 | Ekaterina Makarova | 66-1 |
Djokovic enters the men's tournament as the massive favorite after dominating the second half of last season, and while his preparation for the tournament hasn't been perfect, the Serb will be tipped by most to add to his already impressive collection of silverware.
As shared by ESPN Tennis, he was in an excellent mood talking to reporters ahead of his opening match against Aljaz Bedene:
"In case you needed another reason to love Djokovic, the World No.1 gave little treat to #AusOpen press yesterday! -http://t.co/HB6AqIBxde
— ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) January 18, 2015"
The Joker told reporters he arrived in Australia feeling ill, but he feels just fine heading into the tournament, via ESPN:
"I had a tough couple of days. But it's all behind me now. I'm ready for the Open. [It was] a little bit of flu and stomach. But now it's good, it's passed.
[on the candy] "I have a strict diet. This is only for you. You can have two if you like. This is not bribery, just good spirits. A little delight. Why not!
"
Djokovic battled his way back to the top spot in the rankings last season, winning his second Wimbledon crown and successfully defending his World Tour Finals title. He won the Australian Open three consecutive years before last year's disappointment, and the Serb will undoubtedly be motivated to add a fifth title to his resume.
Wawrinka finally won his first Grand Slam title in Melbourne last year, but the Swiss fourth seed refused to look back at the great memories too much, per ESPN, stating he is completely focused on 2015.
DW - Sports wondered whether he is simply trying to remove as much pressure as he can:
Compatriot Roger Federer always ranks among the favourites, having been given the second-best odds to win this year's title. He too has a chance to win his fifth career Australian Open, and ESPN's Chris Wilkes likes his chances of doing just that:
The veteran showed few signs of old age at the end of 2014, although an injury ultimately robbed fans of a perfect World Tour Finals against Djokovic. Now recovered, he should once again make a deep run in the tournament.
Rafael Nadal isn't expected to play a huge role in Melbourne, despite his excellent odds, as the Spaniard has shown obvious signs of rust to start the year and will mainly use the Australian Open to gain some match rhythm.
Williams had some serious struggles at the Hopman Cup, and Bleacher Report's Trevor Murray rightfully pointed out the top seed will need to get off to a strong start in order to gain enough momentum for the rest of the tournament:
Fans have gotten used to Williams dominating the women's division with raw power, but if her inconsistencies from the Hopman Cup continue, she won't get past Sharapova.
The Russian star headlines a field that might not be as top-heavy as the men's tournament but shines with depth. Halep, Wozniacki, Eugenie Bouchard and Ana Ivanovic will all like their chances of winning this year's title, following in the footsteps of last year's unfancied winner Li.
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