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The 2014 season in ATP tennis might just be the most interesting in years, with the rivalry between Nadal and Djokovic, the questionmarks that loom over Federer’s sky, with Murray back from injury or the re-emergence of Juan Martin Del Potro. Having this in mind, the Australian Open 2014 is set to be one of the most fascinating tournaments in the last few seasons, as the questions over who might win it all are all over the place. We`ll take a look at the top guys’ chances and odds to lift the trophy, as well as predicting the dark horses who could have a word to say in the latter stages of the tournament.

So far, Del Potro and Gasquet have bowed out of the tournament. The traditional top 4 of Djokovic, Nadal, Federer and Murray have been impecable in the first two rounds, winning all their matches in 3 sets. So, what can we expect from the top guys as the Australian Open progresses, and what are their advantages and disadvantages? And what are their odds for a triumph? Of course, make sure to place your bets only with trusted bookmakers.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC (outright winner – 1.75 @ Unibet)

Advantages:
• Most in-form player of the moment
• Australian Open is his favorite Grand Slam
• Very easy draw with Wawrinka and Berdych the biggest (and only) threats until the finals
• Has the slight matchup advantage over Nadal

Disadvantages:
• Does not react well to the extreme heat
• Coaching change always presents a risk, especially short-term

Betdistrict prediction: Winner

 

RAFAEL NADAL (outright winner 3.60 @ Unibet)

Advantages:
• The best player overall last season
• 30 match winning streak on hard courts last season
• Already won a tournament at Doha this year
• With Del Potro knocked out, he escaped a nightmare clash in the quarterfinals
• Less pressure with no points to defend from last year

Disadvantages:
• Will potentially meet Murray or Federer in the semifinals
• Slight matchup disadvantage with Djokovic
• Lost some form late last season

Betdistrict prediction: final, loses to Djokovic in 5 sets

 

ROGER FEDERER (outright winner – 18.00 @ Unibet)

Advantages:
• Can still beat anybody if he plays his best tennis
• Showed an improvement in form late last season

Disadvantages:
• Had his worst season in a decade last year
• Nightmare potential draw with Tsonga in 4th round, Murray in quarters and Nadal in semis
• Lost to Hewitt in Brisbane final

• Huge matchup disadvantage in a potential semifinal with Nadal

Betdistrict prediction: semifinals, loses to Nadal in 3 sets

 

ANDY MURRAY (outright winner – 8.00 @ Unibet)

Advantages:
• No pressure
• Excellent form prior to injury

Disadvantages:
• Lost to Mayer in Doha 2nd round
• Just came back after 3 months (with surgery)
• Nightmare potential draw with Federer in quarters and Nadal in semis

Betdistrict prediction: quarterfinalist, loses to Federer in 4 sets

The dark horses in this tournament are not hard to predict, with Thomas Berdych, David Ferrer, Stanislas Wawrinka Jo Wilfried Tsonga and Milos Raonic being the front runners (and only runners in fact) to produce an upset. However, it is really hard to see any of those getting past the semifinals against the formidable Nadal and Djokovic. Ferrer would have the best chance of paper but his form is shaky. Berdych and Wawrinka seem to be the most dangerous, but can any of those realistically hope to get past Djokovic? Probably not. All in all, my tip for dark horse of the tournament is the Czech, who could have some very nice betting value in the next few matches, especially in a potential quarterfinal with Ferrer.

THOMAS BERDYCH (outright winner – 50.00 @ Unibet)

Advantages:
• Blistering form in the Australian Open so far
• Likes the surface
• Improved in Grand Slams recently
• Approachable draw with Anderson and Mayer/Ferrer in the way of a potential Djokovic semifinal

Disadvantages:
• Does not have the quality of the top 4 yet
• Can sometimes melt under pressure
• Beating Djokovic in the semis seems next to impossible with the 2-15 H2H

Betdistrict prediction: semifinals, loses to Djokovic in 3 sets

Overall Djokovic is the clear cut favorite here and I reckon he should be able to take this. However, the odds are very poor and the tipping value lies on Nadal`s 3.60 @ Unibet outright winner odds.

Photo sources: Espn.com