ATP Australian Open final: Rafael Nadal v Novak Djokovic Odds and Betting Preview

Story by Harry Maude on 2012-01-28 23:28:49

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - After two weeks of fantastic tennis, the field for the Australian Open has been whittled down to just two, with the first and second seeds, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, set to do battle in tomorrow's final. Both have triumphed here before with Nadal winning the event in 2009, and Djokovic winning both last year and in 2008.

Both players came through tough semi-final matches, with Nadal beating Roger Federer in four sets, but Djokovic had an even harder time of it, beating Andy Murray in a five hour marathon 6-3, 3-6, 6-7, 6-1, 7-5. As well as that, the Serb has had a day less to recuperate. Nevertheless, he could not be fitter, and is still the favourite to win the match, priced at 4/6 with bet365. Nadal is at 7/5 with Boylesports to win his second title here.

Last year, Djokovic carried all before him, winning three of the four Grand Slams and losing only six matches in the whole season. He also held a fantastic record against Nadal, beating the World No. 2 on each of the six occasions that they played, although Nadal has beaten Djokovic sixteen times as opposed to Djokovic's thirteen wins against him. The World No. 1 will take all the beating here, but with Nadal looking back to his scintillating best, and Djokovic's match against Murray sure to have taken its toll, the Spaniard appears to be a more attractive betting proposition in the match result market.

In the set-betting market, a 3-1 win for Djokovic is a top-priced 10/3 with bet365, and the Serb is at the same price with William Hill to win 3-0. Nadal's best chance looks to be a 3-1 win, which is available at a standout 5/1 with Betfred, which looks like decent value. Djokovic is 11/2 with Skybet to triumph in another five set epic, while Nadal is 6/1 with Sportingbet to do the same, which again seems like a more tempting price, considering how tough it would be for Djokovic to get through another five set epic. Nadal is a 7/1 shot with Blue Square to win in straight sets.

The match could hinge around the opening first set, with both players looking to get off to a flyer, and Djokovic currently shades favouritism in that market too, with Betfred offering 4/5 about the defending champion winning the opener. Nadal is a best priced 11/10 with William Hill to take the first set. Djokovic is also 11/2 with bet365 to win the opening set but lose the match, while Nadal is 9/2 to do the same.

Having won three Grand Slams last year, Djokovic looks likely to add to that haul again this year, and bet365 offer a market on how many majors he will win this year, with one as the most likely result at 7/4. He is 9/4 to win two this year, and is a 7/2 chance not to win any. The Serb is a 5/1 shot to repeat his phenomenal 2011 and win three, and is a 14/1 chance to go one better and have a clean sweep. With Nadal likely to be an overwhelming favourite for the French Open at Roland Garros, he is 11/8 to win one Grand Slam, 9/4 to win two, and 5/2 to have a barren year and go without.

Djokovic's World No.1 is not under direct threat in this match, but a victory for Nadal could spur him on to mount a serious challenge on his rival, and regain his No. 1 spot, and considering that this is the third consecutive Grand Slam final to feature these two players, the result could set the tone for the season ahead.

The match is due to start at 0830 GMT, and will be broadcast live on BBC 2.

Rafael Nadal v Novak Djokovic betting odds