2018 Australian Open: Women’s Preview & Betting Tips
The Tennis season is back on and we have the first Grand Slam of the year. The Australian Open 2018 Women’s action will have a different outlook, not least because of the absence of Serena Williams.
Last season has seen a clutch of unknowns springing from the abyss to clinch Grand Slams in Williams’ absence – just ask Sloane Stevens and Jelena Ostapenko. Will the Australian Open also witness another surprise winner?
Check out our preview for the men’s side of the draw!
Simona Halep
How many times has she started a tournament seeded number one? Halep is the world number one, but has a rich history of floundering on the biggest stage. Even without Williams, the bigger worry for Halep is her own self!
The draw hasn’t been kind enough either, with Petra Kvitova, Karolina Pliskova, and Johanna Konta – all lurking in her side of the draw. Can Halep rise above her mediocre Grand Slam career and make the most of this opportunity?
Garbine Muguruza
The Spaniard generally does well whenever you don’t expect her to! She was forced to retire with leg cramps in Brisbane and withdrew from Sydney with a leg injury. That throws question marks over her fitness; can Muguruza prove us wrong?
Madison Keys & Sloane Stevens
The two American new generation stars have surprised everyone by reaching the finals of the US Open last year. But, since then, both have struggled to win a single match! The form book rules them out, but can they spring back to life once the ‘Slam starts?
Maria Sharapova
How can you not think of her! The Russian has earned her first direct entry into a ‘Slam, since her drug suspension. The unseeded Sharapova will be one of the most dreaded opponents in her half of the draw. But, she faces Anastasija Sevastova and Angelique Kerber in her draw. Will Sharapova be able to live up to the challenge?
Caroline Wozniacki
This is the best chance to win a ‘Slam for this number two seed Dane. She won the biggest title of her career, the WTA Finals in Singapore last season and will be confident for this tournament. With the draw too a bit kind, is this the year for Wozniacki to break her duck?
Others to watch
Keep an eye on Coco Vandeweghe who is making waves on the circuit ever since she came under the tutelage of Pat Cash. The local flavour will be led by the 18th seed Ash Barty, who is looking to be at her absolute best.
Picks
Halep is the one leading the market with odds of $9 (Ladbrokes) being offered on her win. Pliskova at odds of $9.50 (bet365) and Svitolina at odds of $8.50 (William Hill) seem to be lurking around. Wozniacki at odds of $11 (William Hill) is also in the mix.
TIP: Wozniacki to win the Australian Open – $11 at William Hill
