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
I’m a united fan and I can honestly say we are the most boring team in the English league right now. All four divisions.
Possibly ever. 71% possession = 2 shots on target. Terrible.
LVG can’t take all the blame. Players need to step up.
19th in league for chances created .
“Rooney’s late penalty saves Van Gaal’s job”
Much like Coutinho saving Rodgers….
Klopp is Liverpool’s manager Conor. Do try and keep up.
Wow Conor, need a hanky? Sad.
Sorry, but you completely missed what I was saying, Chocolatito. The point is that an extremely under fire manager was saved, if only for a short while by his star player.
Who’s to say the same won’t happen to LVG?
Holy jaysus that was horrible.
I dunno which was worse. Seeing how bad United are or listening to Micheal Owen commentating!
At least it keeps the cracks papered over.
I’m delighted they won tonight keep longballLouis in a job
Not sure where you’re getting longballlouis from. They’re boring to watch because they keep possession without making any in roads into the opposition defence. Playing the odd long ball would be a nice change to be honest.
Something has to give.The rot has well and truly set in. If they can’t lift their game and play some attacking football against a league 1 side, then the future is bleak.
I didn’t see the match but Barcelona won 4 nil today and Real are 4 nil up now against opposition in their league. That’s the bar for United and right now it is night and day between them and United.
To be fair Ron, there’s Barcelona, Real and Munich and everyone else is below them.
LVG to be given an extension on his contract please Rooney scored and there through to the next round of the cup all is good
What do u reckon Neenee?
Funny, you constantly bring him up…… Then blame him for showing up…….
It’s rare we need to ask.
I know Dave, but this guy keeps doing that, either he is in fact Neenee, or just sadly obsessed.
I’m obsessed?
A lot of us are sick of his constant comments on nothing but Man United on Man United stories.
I was sarcastically awaiting his arrival but no,I’m obsessed. Fair enough.
Observer, you’ve done the same thing a few times…. I said it before, simply ignoring him is the best way, not invite him in, then point a finger for him being there……
I’m not so sure David. I’d been advocating to sack LVG and put Giggs in as interim manager for the second half of the season to see if he can cut it. I’m beginning to change my view though recently. I watched him today and he just sat there glum faced and silent beside van gaal and didn’t contribute anything. Can’t imagine that he’s that much restricted by the manager and even if he was, would he be any better if he was in charge himself? I’m totally at a loss to understand how they can be so bad and how they can change it for the better.
One more thing, Van gaal said in his post match interview that he’s not interested in bringing in any new players in January transfer window as he doesn’t like to buy mid season. While this may be a ploy to put off the media, if it’s not it means we are destined to watch these over paid players serve up the same “puke football” for the rest of this season.
Deja vu. Mark Robbins, Fergie and all that.
Worst United team in living memory. They’ve even surpassed the crap people were forced to witness under Moyes. Baffling its been allowed continue.
If got rid of him now would be left looking for an interim boss and more uncertainty so instead waiting until end of season to bring someone in fulltime. Satisfied that will likely finish in top 5 anyway. Prob convince him to step down himself then in the summer. Koeman could be a good choice. Attacking football and doing well in the league. Experienced enough too to deal with the egos at united.