EXPERT TIPS: AUSTRALIAN OPEN

It’s still a month and a half until the Australian Open, however there is enough liquidity on the Betfair Exchange to cast an eye over a number of players to see who is the early value for the tournament.

The clear favourite for the tournament, and justifiably so. He won the tournament again in 2023, overcoming some injury issues early in the tournament to run away with what was a pretty convincing fortnight in the end. I don’t anticipate Novak shortening too much more on the exchange between now and the start of January, unless there was a spate of injuries to other top names. Not going to back right now, but also not going to lay either.

The Spaniard is going to be one of the more intriguing players when it comes to the draw and lead-up to the Austrlaian Open. This is a massive opportunity for Alcaraz, who missed the 2023 edition of the Australian Open, has no January ranking points to defend, which can make him a dangerous prospect. Based on some reporting out of Spain in the back end of September, Alcaraz had an original plan to not play any warm-up tournaments coming into the Australian Open. There is every chance this may change, however Alcaraz has the level and ability to ease his way into a best-of-5 set tournament, and will be a genuine threat for the title. I’ll trade the $4.20 for a small stake, and wait to hear more about his potential path to Melbourne.

 His best can match it with anyone, however his worst can leave a lot to be desired. Without an eye on the lead-in form for Medvedev, I wouldn’t be backing him below $10 given the quality of this field. Will make for a difficult watch for the fortnight, given his propensity to go for broke on the second serve in many clutch moments.

The major advantage for Sinner this year is that he has made his way into the 4^th seed at the very least, meaning he can avoid each of Alcaraz and Djokovic until at least the semi finals. There may be an element of recency bias and a couple of wins over Djokovic (round robin and Davis Cup) which have caused the drop in odds, however I will be keeping a close eye on him over the first couple of weeks of the season. The forecast may play a role here too, as he may be susceptible to extreme heat if forecast early in the tournament. VERY KEEN to monitor.

It feels like a little too much to ask for Nadal to lift the trophy again in Melbourne. He is lacking time on court in a competitive sense, and the high impact of the hardcourt doesn’t not work in his favour this late in his career. It feels like most of his eggs will be going into the Roland Garros basket.

Intriguing prospect at the odds. He looks to have been gradually returning to some form, so may be worth considering as a trading prospect. Has the tools to challenge the top names, and is in much better shape than when we saw him in Melbourne in January.

Just don’t quite feel he has matured to the level to be able to genuinely consider him in the potential Melbourne conditions. I’d rather wait until closer to the tournament before making a call on Rune. Played an epic with Rublev this year at the AO, however his body let him down.

It strangely feels as though time is starting to run out for Tsitsipas. I didn’t see enough from him in the late part of 2023 to consider backing him prior to him stepping on court in 2024

Another who finds himself outgunned by the top names, however is worth respecting as a player likely to make the second week. The issue is, he would need Djokovic and/or Alcaraz to falter to have a significant dip in his odds. Prefer others.

At the time of writing this his wrist is still in a splint. Just the one match in 2023 and it wasn’t overly convincing. Becomes an unseeded floater threat, but feel that’s about it. Every year I write about how difficult it is for Nick to play seven best-of-5 set matches this early in the season on hardcourt, and this year is no exception.

It’s still a month and a half until the Australian Open, however there is enough liquidity on the Betfair Exchange to cast an eye over a number of players to see who is the early value for the tournament.

Ended the year like a house on fire, and commands respect. Will she be able to maintain that rage across the extended WTA offseason and hit the ground running in January? I was expecting her to be a little shorter, as at a level near her best, she is near unstoppable. Worth considering, as I don’t see her drifting heavily before the tournament.

Sabalenka will feel the pressure as the defending grand slam champion for the first time. It can be a tricky thing, and looking at the current odds, I prefer the odds about some of the other bigger hitters this far out from the tournament.

I will put Rybakina in the same basket as Sabalenka for now. Not keen to back at the price, but also will not be laying. One to consider adding to the portfolio a little closer to the tournament. Has had injury issues in January in the past.

I am genuinely fascinated to see what level Gauff will produce in 2024. She has now won a grand slam and that pressure is off, but with it comes new pressure. The higher ranking will help her avoid big names until late in the tournament, and I don’t mind her current price for trading.

honest and relatively consistent, however I fear the names already listed on this article are all likely to have her measure at the pointy end of the tournament. One to monitor, as she was incredibly impressive in the United Cup last year.

has never found her absolute best level here in Melbourne. Will wait and see if she is at 100% fitness to start the season before I jump in.

Honest as the day is long, however I fear that somewhere on the path to the final she is likely to be outgunned. Another I want to keep a close eye on to start the season.

One of the WTA giant killers, and a former grand slam winner. The big question mark for Ostapenko is her ability to maintain a level for 7 matches. US Open 2023 is a perfect example – pulls off the upset of Swiatek, only to be obliterated by Gauff. One you want your selections to avoid early in the tournament.