Federer And Nadal Lead Men's Field Into 2010 Australian Open

Sports News - January 18th, 2010 - Written By Bryan

The 2009 edition of the Australian Open gave tennis fans a thrill, as Rafael Nadal knocked off Roger Federer in a memorable five-set Championship Match. The last few years have provided fantastic finishes among the top ranked players in the sport, and oddsmakers say that this year should be no different. As the season's first major championship, The Australian Open provides players their initial opportunity to begin their 2010 campaign on the right foot.

As always, the usual suspects, Nadal and Federer, are once again among the favorites entering the 2010 Australian Open. Along with the two finalists from last year, several other players will be looking to make their mark on history by winning the first major of the year in Tennis.

Roger Federer, the top ranked tennis player in the World is the leading favorite to claim his fourth Australian Open Title. After a heartbreaking five-set loss to Rafael Nadal in last year's championship match, Federer will be looking to get back on the winning side of things as he begins the first major for 2010. Despite winning the tournament three times, he has little recent success. Federer last won the Australian Open three years ago. He has not played in the tournaments leading up to the major, opting instead to practice at his own pace, perhaps drawing from his good friend Tiger Woods, who never plays the week before a major. Federer is currently listed as a 2/1 favorite to claim yet another Australian Open, according to Bodog Sportsbook. Federer faces Igor Andreev in the first round.

Australian Open defending champion Rafael Nadal comes to this week having not won a title in nearly eight months. Plagued by injuries for the majority of the 2009 ATP season, Nadal looks to repeat his title and assert himself atop the world tennis rankings once again. Nadal has worked hard to get rehab his injuries and will look to see it payoff with a repeat-win in Australia. Nadal faces Peter Luczak in the first round of the bottom half of the bracket. He is a 4/1 favorite to claim the Major title. Nadal has already advanced to the second round, defeating Peter Luczak (7-6, 6-1, 6-4).

Juan Martin Del Potro, the world's fifth ranked player is also among a leading favorite to claim the Australian Open. After turning pro in 2005, the Argentinian won the US Open last season, defeating Federer, for his first career major title. He collected three singles titles in all during the 2009 season and comes to Australia confident. He, along with Nadal was listed at 4/1 to claim his second career major title at the beginning of the tournament. Del Potro has also advanced into the second round with a (6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2) victory over Michael Russell.

Andy Murray, from Great Britain, is the fourth ranked player in the world, and among the favorites to claim the year's first major as well. Murray won six singles titles in 2009 and finished strong at the 2009 Australian Open. His last finals appearance in a major was at the 2008 US Open. Murray will look to end his major finals match-less streak at the Australian Open. At the start of the tournament, Murray was listed at 5/1 to claim the Title. In earlier action, Murray defeated Kevin Anderson (6-1, 6-1, 6-2).

Novak Djokovic turned pro in 2003 and shot up the world rankings. The 2008 Australian Open champion has a history of success at this event and is a leading favorite to win. Djokovic collected five singles titles last season, but no majors. This year, a win at the Australian Open would get 2010 season off to a fantastic start. He was a 5/1 favorite to win at the start of the Championship. In the opening round, Djokovic is slated to meet Daniel Gimeno-Traver.

Top American players Andy Roddick is currently seventh in the ATP world rankings. He has already won this season in 2010, winning Brisbane. Roddick is playing well and is widely considered a dark horse entering the tournament. Despite his 33/1 odds to win the Australian Open, Roddick comes into the championship confident after his victory. Roddick easily advanced to the second round with a (6-1, 6-4, 6-4) win over Thiemo de Bakker.

Sportsbooks will be releasing odds on all upcoming matches as well as updating the odds to win the 2010 Australian Open. Those participating in Tennis Betting will want to be sure to check the docket in order to stay ahead of the matches scheduled to begin.

Coverage can be seen on ESPN from January 18th through the finals on January 31st. Both live and previous coverage can been seen throughout the two weeks of competition. Check back to see updated odds as the tournament progresses.