It’s time for the first Grand Slam finals of the year! With Rafael Nadal bailing out early on, we’re guaranteed two new Australian Open champions. We’ve previewed both the men’s and women’s finals, picking out some of the best betting tips based on the latest tennis odds.
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Australian Open: Men’s Final Preview
We could be looking at the best tennis player of all time in Novak Djokovic, so it’s no surprise to see him in yet another Grand Slam final. He has dropped just one set in six matches on his way to the final, with victory set to tie him with Nadal as the most decorate men’s player ever.
While the experienced Serb has 21 majors to his name, Stefanos Tsitsipas is still searching for his first. The 24-year-old has reached four major semi-finals and one final, but has yet to lift one of the most prestigious trophies. He has also impressed at the Australian Open, out-acing every one of his opponents thus far.
Unfortunately for the world number four Tsitsipas, his record against Djokovic does not make for good reading. Despite beating him twice in their first three meetings in 2018/19, Djokovic has won nine consecutive matches since. What’s more, Tsitsipas has never beaten Djokovic in a five-set match.
These two have met in a Grand Slam final already – Djokovic overcame a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 in the 2021 French Open final. However, Tsitsipas will take confidence from the fact he has won two sets both times they have met in a five-set match.
Men’s Final Odds & Betting Tips
Stefanos Tsitsipas – 4.30
Novak Djokovic – 1.19
First set winner: Stefanos Tsitsipas – 2.90
As there is little value in Djokovic to win, we’ve taken a slightly different angle. Tsitsipas won the opening two sets when he lost to Djokovic in the French Open final, and he’ll know he needs a good start if he is to overcome the Serbian.
Over 4.50 sets – 3.90
Both of the five-set matches between these players have needed a deciding set. Tsitsipas has only improved in since that meeting in 2021 and is more than capable of going the distance with Djokovic, especially with his powerful service game.
Australian Open: Women’s Final Preview
World number 25 Elena Rybakina will go in search of her second Grand Slam this weekend when she faces Aryna Sabalenka. The Kazakhstan international Rybakina has impressed en route to the final, knocking out last year’s runner-up Danielle Collins, as well as world number one and pre-tournament favourite Iga Swiatek.
Rybakina has lost just one set thus far, but Sabalenka has gone one step further. The Belarusian has not dropped a set in her six Australian Open matches. The world number five was the second pre-tournament favourite behind Swiatek, and will head into the final with the odds slightly in her favour.
Sabalenka has dominated the head-to-head against her finals opponent. The two have met three times, with Sabalenka winning all three matches (6-3 in total sets). Rybakina has out-aced Sabalenka 24 to 20, but the latter has a far superior second service game – a 55% win rate compared to Rybakina’s 42%.
Sabalenka has also excelled when the pressure has been on, as it undoubtedly will be in the final. She has a 100% win rate in the deciding sets played against Rybakina. However, for all of Sabalenka’s head-to-head dominance, Rybakina has been arguably the best female player at the Australian Open.
Women’s Final Odds & Betting Tips
Elena Rybakina – 2.05
Aryna Sabalenka – 1.72
Sabalenka to win the Australian Open – 1.72
Although versus record isn’t everything, Sabalenka has routinely had the beating of Rybakina, including as recently as Wimbledon in 2021. Sabalenka also has far more experience in the latter stages of major tournaments.
She has competed in two finals, four semi-finals and three quarter-finals in major singles and doubles competitions. In contrast, Rybakina has competed in just two quarter-finals and one final – although that final did see her lift the Wimbledon trophy last year.
Total games: over 26.5 – 2.54
All three meetings between these players have needed three sets to decided a winner. The number of games played in these matches were 23 (2019), 29 (2021) and 28 (2021). Both are in incredible form ahead the final and we expect each set to be very closely contested.
Australian Open Finals Schedule
Women’s Final – Saturday 28th January
Men’s Final – Sunday 29th January
The Australian Open finals will be broadcast live on Eurosport.
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