The 2017 Australian Open starts next week and there are plenty of interesting storylines building on the Women's side of the tournament. Can Angelique Kerber defend her title? Will Serena Williams reclaim her Aussie glory after winning the tournament in 2015? Or will there be a new champion? Find out what we think in our preview of the tournament!
2017 Australian Open - Women's Betting Preview
Despite her disappointing effort at last year's Australian Open, there is no doubt Serena Williams ($3.75) deserves to be favourite over the reigning champion Angelique Kerber ($4.50). However, the 2017 Women's tournament is shaping up to be the most open field in a long time - not only because of the spread of quality, but because of those who are NOT playing this year.
The most notable absences at the 2017 Australian Open will be Maria Sharapova (who is still on serving her doping suspension), two-time champ Victoria Azarenka (recently gave birth), Petra Kvitova (recovering from her knife attack) and Madison Keys (wrist problems).
It really is Williams' Grand Slam to lose, but with these notable outs it is a great time for someone to swoop in and claim the title. Someone like US Open finalist Karolina Pliskova ($9) springs to mind, while Simona Halep ($10) is still primed to breakthrough for her first Grand Slam and Garbine Muguruza ($11) looks like a solid chance to win her second Grand Slam after claiming the French Open in 2016.
While the aforementioned players are perhaps the top chances, there are also plenty of players at juicy odds who could easily win the 2017 Australian Open:
Agnieszka Radwanska ($26) is a former world number two who is never an easy opponent and will be looking to improve on an Australian Open semi-final last year; Elina Svitolina ($51) is ranked at career-high 13th, defeating the reigning champ Kerber and making the semi-finals in Brisbane; Eugenie Bouchard ($51) will certainly be keen to finally prove herself after underachieving at the last few years.
2017 Australian Open - Women's Winner Prediction
It's a boring prediction, but you can't go past a hungry Serena Williams to win the 2017 Australian Open. Current world No. 1 Angelique Kerber hasn't looked very dangerous in the last few months and while she managed to win last year's Australian Open, her overall record in Melbourne isn't that flash. As always, Serena's toughest opponent will be herself.
Prediction: Serena Williams
*** Click to bet on Williams to win the 2017 Australian Open - $3.75 ***
2017 Australian Open - Women's Value Play
Outside of Williams, the value definitely looks to be with Elina Svitolina. While the 22-year old is relatively inexperienced compared to the field, the Ukranian seems focused and has proven herself in some tough matches. Don't be surprised to see her go deep into the 2017 Australian or as a smoky chance to win the tournament.
Value Play: Elina Svitolina
*** Click to bet on Svitolina to win the 2017 Australian Open - $51 ***
You can see the odds for all the main chances at the 2017 Australian Open below at Sportsbet!
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
