Federer v Nadal: Australian Open Final Betting & Tips

Best Bookies, Betting, Bookmakers, Fixed Odds, Tennis | selectabet | January 31, 2009 at 7:23 pm

It’s a shame that it took until the early hours of Friday morning for the 2009 Australian Open to kick into life. The epic battle between two Spanish matadors, Nadal and Verdasco, has been the single beacon of light in what has been a fairly low-key tournament so far. The early demise of the over-hyped Murray and the premature withdrawal of defending champion Djokovic robbed the tournament of a classic final week. But all is not lost. At 9.30am (GMT) the best two players in the world commence rivalry again in what should be another vintage chapter in their battle for supremecy.

Federer is aiming to equal the all-time record for Grand Slam titles, 14, currently held by Pete Sampras. For Nadal it’s time he showed he truly deserves to be world number one by claiming his first grand slam win on the hard courts of Melbourne.

The head-to-head favours Nadal with the Spaniard leading 12-6 overall. In Grand Slam clashes it’s an equally impressive 4-2 lead that’s held by the Nadal, abiet 3 of those have been on the clay in France. But the bookies still favour the Swiss to reign in Australia. Federer is best priced at 4/6 (Boylesports), whilst Nadal is available 7/5 with Sportingbet and William Hill.

The bookies don’t normally get it wrong and I’m inclined to go with them on this one. Federer has had an extra day to recover ahead of the final and there’s no doubt that Rafa’s epic semi-final against fellow countryman Verdasco will have left him drained mentally as well as physically.

I wouldn’t be too encouraged by Nadal’s post-match comments either; “I’m going to try my best to recover my body and my physical performance but after a match like this, the next day you feel much heavier.” Hardly sounds like a man who’s ready to take on and beat his greatest rival does it?

Let’s not forget that Federer has been there and done it on this surface, winning the title on 3 ocassions, whereas Nadal’s frailties on the hard court were left exposed throughout the 5 hour grilling given to him by Verdasco. And if anyone can exploit those shortfalls it’s Federer.

It all points to another title for the Swiss master and at 4/6 (Boylesports) he looks worth backing.