2012 Australian Open Odds, Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers – Australian Open Men’s Preview

2012 Australian Open Odds, Free Picks, Tips and Predictions – Favorites and Sleepers to Win 2012 Australian Open: The calendar has barely turned to 2012, and the tennis world is already preparing for its first Grand Slam of the season. The Australian Open kicks off Sunday, and the hard, outdoor surface is known for smooth surfaces and fast speeds. As a result the hard, accurate hitters have a natural edge, and players that can dominate with the serve can often control their opponents. In the end, major tournaments always seem to bring out the best in the best players in the world, and there should be some serious action in Melbourne.

2012 Australian Open Odds, Predictions and Betting – The Favorites

When Novak Djokovic won last year’s Australian Open, few people foresaw what was to come. He had a season for the ages, winning 70 of his 76 matches, and more importantly, he captured three major championships along the way. Djokovic’s won the 2008 Australian Open as well and has been at his best on the hard surfaces. Coming off a tremendous year, he has to be considered the favorite to repeat and capture his third career title in Melbourne.

Although he hasn’t won a major in a while, Roger Federer did capture his last Grand Slam in the 2010 Australian Open. He made it to the semifinals in last year’s tournament, and the faster surfaces are still among his best because of his accuracy and baseline skill. For what it’s worth, Federer was the only player to defeat Djokovic in a Grand Slam event last year, and if there is any player that can give the defending champ trouble, it is likely Federer.

2012 Australian Open Odds, Predictions and Betting – The Dark Horses

It is tough to call Rafael Nadal a dark horse in any major championship, but his record in Melbourne leaves a lot to be desired. After winning the 2009 event, he has failed to reach the finals in each of the last two seasons. Nadal was hampered by injuries in the last half of 2011, and his health is going to be a big factor in how he performs in 2012. If he is at 100 percent, Nadal could make a run. However, shaking off a bit of rust at a tournament that hasn’t been his best could be tough.

He has been on the doorstep of a major several times in recent years, but Andy Murray has never been able to cash in and win a Grand Slam. That being said, he has been as close as a player can get in the Australian Open, finishing second in the 2010 and 2011 events. The problem is that he has never been able to knock off Djokovic, Federer or Nadal on a consistent enough basis to win a big tournament. Still, it seems like a matter of when and not if Murray will grab his first major, and the Australian Open has been his best tournament.

2012 Australian Open Odds, Predictions and Betting – Sleeper Special

Jo-Wilfired Tsonga is known as a player that can surprise a top seed from time to time but not as a star. However, he has reached the Australian Open final as recently as 2009, and he has continually improved the last few years. Tsonga closed last season on a hot streak, reaching the title match in three of his final four tournament experiences. He is one player lurking off the radar that could make the jump to stardom as soon as this year.

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