Melbourne is set to play host to one of the biggest sporting events of the year as the 2016 Australian Open takes place from Jan 18 - 31. In our latest tennis betting tips article, we offer our Women's Tournament preview.
*** Click for 2016 Australian Open Men's Betting Preview ***
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2016 Australian Open - Women's
Unlike the men's tournament, there are several legitimate chances to win the women's title at the 2016 Australian Open. No doubt Serena Williams is still the front runner (bookies have her at $4), but with a niggle in her knee and a handful of others keen to take advantage, we wouldn't be surprised if Williams failed to win the 22nd Grand Slam of her career.
Just a few weeks ago and Maria Sharapova was second favourite to win the title, but with herself and Simona Halep withdrawing from the Brisbane International with injuries, Victoria Azarenka is the new hot chance outside of Williams. Azarenka ended up winning Brisbane and looked in prime shape while doing so. The biggest factor that will make it hard for Azarenka is her 17th place ranking meaning she has a harder early draw to progress through the tournament.
The severity of Sharapova and Halep's injuries are unknown, with Sharapova's seeming like a minor elbow niggle, while Halep was apparently struggling with an Achilles problem. It's not too uncommon for players to err on the side of caution in the lead up tournaments, so we will have to wait and see these two ladies in action in the first round.
Some of the other chances like Petra Kvitova and Agnieszka Radwanska also had some injury troubles in their leadups in Sydney, so it's hard to tell how they will fare in the Aussie Open. If fully fit, Kvitova can be very dangerous.
Of all the players it does seem like Azarenka is the best chance to knock off Williams, but if Halep is looking close to fully fit, I wouldn't be writing her off. She's great on the hard court and maybe shows a bit of value at $9.
Tournament Winner Top Odds - William Hill
Serena Williams - $4.00
Victoria Azarenka - $5.00
Simona Halep - $9.00
Maria Sharapova - $10.00
Garbine Muguruza - $13.00
Petra Kvitova - $15.00
Belinda Bencic - $17.00
Agnieszka Radwanska - $19
