2015 Australian Open Odds, Free Picks and Predictions: Betting Tips for the 2015 Australian Open

2015 Australian Open Tennis Odds, Free Picks, Tips and Predictions: Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers The first major of the tennis season has already arrived, and the 2015 Australian Open will begin Monday in Melbourne. The action is always fast and furious on the tournament’s hard courts, and when you throw in scorching temperatures, the Australian Open can test the stamina and endurance of a player as much as their skills. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the players worth keeping an eye on heading into the 2015 Australian Open.

The Favorites

Although Novak Djokovic was actually bounced in the quarterfinals of last year’s Australian Open, he has had some of his most dominant runs at the tournament in the past. He has won the Australian Open in three of the last four years and four times overall. Meanwhile, Djokovic’s exit in the quarterfinals last year was the only time since the start of the 2011 season that he has failed to reach the semifinals of a major. In other words, he shows up on the big stages. His combination of stamina and power is tailor made for this tournament, and when you throw in a relatively easy draw, Djokovic could be tough to stop.

Sure, it has been a while since Roger Federer has won a major, but he actually appeared to be experiencing a resurgece last year. He reached at least the semifinals in three of the four majors, including the Australian Open. Plus, he has reached at least the semifinals in Melbourne in each of the last 11 seasons, winning four times. His track record says he is a safe bet to be a serious threat.

The Dark Horses

It is hard to call a player of Rafael Nadal’s caliber a dark horse, but he didn’t exactly inspire much confidence when he hinted that he still wasn’t at 100 percent following surgery that sidelined him late last year. However, a hobbled Nadal is still better than almost any tennis player in the world. Granted, his lone win at the Australian Open came back in 2009, but he also reached the finals in 2012 and last season. Don’t count him out.

He is the defending champion of the Australian Open, and Stanislas Wawrinka’s all-around game is finally catching up to his raw power. He overpowered the competition in Melbourne last year, and he has reached the quarterfinals in four of the last five majors. Equally as important, Wawrinka has one of the softest draws among the high seeds so he should be well rested through the early rounds.

Playing at less than 100 percent for most of last season, Andy Murray still managed to reach at least the quarterfinals of all four majors. He should be healthier in 2015, and the Australian Open has always been one of his best majors. He has reached the semifinals in four of the last five years, reaching the championship match three times.

Sleeper Special

He has been billed as the next big thing in tennis, and Grigor Dimitrov started to realize his potential last season. He reached the fourth round of three of the four majors, reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and the semifinals at Wimbledon. Dimitrov should only improve with more experience, and if you are looking for a sleeper with upside, few players have as much potential as Dimitrov.