The Australian Open is at the forefront of the tennis playing calendar in January and as a result many of the big names on the ATP tour are descending on Sydney for some hard court practice. The traditional Aussie Open warm-up event is one of the flagship tournaments on the schedule and the tournament organisers will once more be delighted to have assembled such a strong field.
Outright Betting
Despite having no players from inside the world’s top 10 featuring in Sydney, there are some experienced campaigners on show in Sydney who, coupled with exciting new talent, should make for an entertaining event.
Here are some tips for the title in Sydney:
Diego Schwartzmann – 10/1 (Stan James) – The diminutive Argentine had a remarkable end to 2017, which saw him reach the last 8 of the US Open and climb to number 26 in the world rankings – one to watch here.
Gilles Simon – 11/1 (Sky Bet) – The classy Frenchman has struggled for consistency in recent seasons but has big game experience and will be doing all he can to get ranking points on the board before the Australian Open begins.
Gilles Muller – 12/1 (Paddy Power) – Last year’s winner Gilles Muller rolled back the clock in 2017 to climb to number 25 in the world rankings, beat Rafa Nadal at Wimbledon and pick up the Queens club crown in London in July. Will enjoy the quick courts in Sydney.
Daniil Medvedev – 12/1 (Sky Bet) – Another player who had a solid year in 2017, Medvedev has firmly established himself on the ATP Tour and his big hitting makes him a potentially tricky opponent for anyone. Possesses all the weapons to cause some damage in a tournament like this.
Here are some of our outside tips in Auckland:
Feliciano Lopez – 14/1 (Sky Bet) – The effervescent Spaniard is always in the mix in these types of event and will be relishing the opportunity to get going again for another season.
Mischa Zverev – 18/1 (188 Bet) – The conqueror of Andy Murray at last season’s Australian Open, the German had a fantastic season in 2017 and will be eager to build upon it in 2018.
Benoit Paire – 25/1 (Ladbrokes) – The incredibly talented Frenchman has yet to fulfil his potential on the ATP Tour and needs to seize the moment this season.
Alex De Minaur – 33/1 (Bet Victor) – The homegrown talent had a superb week in Brisbane, reaching the semi-finals and beating Milos Raonic and Steve Johnson and with his place at the Australian Open secured, he has a free shot here.
Top Outright Bet: Diego Schwartzmann to lift the title – 6/1 (PaddyPower)
Outside Bet: Adrian Mannarino to win the title (Each Way) – 10/1 (PaddyPower)