IT’S FAIR TO say it has been a controversial build-up to the first Grand Slam tournament of the tennis season, the Australian Open, which starts on Monday.
Tennis writer Andy Schooler discusses the big talking points ahead of the event and, having picked out the 4/1 men’s singles winner of last year’s US Open, offers up his tips with the latest William Hill odds.
Who will seize the opportunity with Djokovic set t0 miss out?
In another time, we’d be entering the 2022 Australian Open talking about one thing – Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title.
As you are surely aware, that’s not the case and it is primarily down to the fact that the world number one has chosen not to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Having initially been denied entry to Australia, a court ruled in his favour last Monday but his visa was then revoked for a second time on Friday and he will not be participating in the tournament as a Federal Court hearing rejected his latest appeal in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Step forward Pablo Carreno Busta, twice a US Open semi-finalist, and a player who started 2022 by going 4-1 at the ATP Cup event.
This isn’t the strongest section of the draw without the world number one and the gritty Spaniard looks capable of taking advantage of any Djokovic-sized holes.
William Hill odds: Pablo Carreno Busta each-way at the 2022 Australian Open – 150/1
A new ‘Big Three’?
The last 20 years of tennis has been dominated by three men – Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Between them the trio have won 16 of the last 18 Australian Opens, but a new era finally seems to have arrived.
Alex Zverev certainly thinks so. Speaking about the second half of 2021 last month, the Olympic champion said: “The big titles were the Olympics, US Open, Turin (ATP Finals) and Wimbledon, and they were all won by (Daniil) Medvedev, Djokovic and me.
“I don’t expect it to be any different next year.”
With Federer injured and Rafael Nadal only just back after several months on the sidelines, you can see the German’s point.
However, it is Medvedev who looks best placed to capitalise in Melbourne. He was the man who ended Djokovic’s 2021 Grand Slam bid, dominating their US Open final.
He was runner-up here last season and is capable of going one better.
William Hill odds: Daniil Medvedev to win the 2022 Australian Open – 6/4
Is the door ajar?
Admittedly Medvedev is a pretty short price, while Zverev remains without a Grand Slam title. As for Djokovic, his issues have already been highlighted.
So there is certainly a chance of the 2022 Australian Open throwing up a surprise champion on the 20th anniversary of Thomas Johansson’s shock triumph.
In those days, the tournament regularly produced an unexpected finalist, its position so early in the season perfect for the underdog.
Perhaps Hubert Hurkacz can capitalise. The Pole really came to the fore last season, notably reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals.
But hard courts are his best surface – he won in Miami and made the semis in Paris where he came within two points of beating Djokovic.
He started 2022 well enough with some good performances at the ATP Cup and could offer punters some value at 66/1.
William Hill odds: Hubert Hurkacz each-way at the 2022 Australian Open – 66/1
Is Naomi Osaka back for good?
The highs and lows of Naomi Osaka dominated the news in the women’s game last season – she produced some excellent tennis to win the Australian Open but didn’t play at Wimbledon for mental health reasons.
Also the Oz Open winner in 2019, the Japanese star looked good on her return to action in Melbourne last week but raised concerns by withdrawing from her semi-final, citing an abdominal injury.
It was probably a precaution but also a worry for potential backers, who will know that if Osaka is fully fit, she’ll take some stopping.
William Hill odds: Naomi Osaka to win the 2022 Australian Open –6/1
Chances of a home winner?
It’s now 44 years since a home player won one of the Australian Open singles titles but the odds suggest the drought could be about to end.
World number one Ash Barty is the bookies’ 11/4 favourite to emulate Chris O’Neil’s 1978 success. Barty looked in great nick at a warm-up event in Adelaide last week but the pressure will be on and she is yet to reach the final of her home Slam.
Simona Halep was also a winner in the opening week of the season and she’s potentially a better bet at four times the price.
The former Wimbledon champion struggled with injury last season but declared she was “physically in the right place” in Melbourne and that “confidence is growing”.
The Romanian made the final here four years ago and has long been a regular in the latter stages. At 12/1, she should go well.
William Hill odds: Simona Halep to win the 2022 Australian Open – 14/1
William Hill odds above correct at the time of writing. New online customers get €30 in free bets when they bet €10 with William Hill. Just use the promo code H30. For all the latest prices, visit williamhill.com. 18+, always gamble responsibly. For more information, see gamblingtherapy.org
