Tennis - The Australian Open Outsiders Have Chance To Cause An Upset by Anthony Lucas

Posted: 17th January 2010

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I think there could be an upset on the cards what with Rafael Nadal seemingly a shadow of his former self, Roger Federer now a tired father of two and no longer carrying his invincible tag and Juan Martin Del Potro carrying an injury which could ruin his chances of a second major title.

It may be the year for Andy Murray but I'm fed up of backing him only to see a fourth round knock out to some also ran.

In fact Sporting Bet are offering to refund all losing bets if Andy Murray wins the tournament, so I'm tempted to take their odds to cover my back in case the talented Scot finally lives up to his promise and I've missed the boat.

Andy Roddick has never really done anything of worth at this tournament, making the semi-finals four times but falling down at each attempt whilst Novak Djokovic has struggled to find form early season.

In fact, form may be a key issue in Melbourne which is why I'm going with Nikolay Davydenko to win his first major title at his 36th attempt. The Russian won the season ending ATP World Tour Finals in London back in November beating Nadal, Federer and Del Potro en route and recently beat the top two in the world again in Qatar.

He's in the form of his life which is why his odds have dropped dramatically in the past few weeks and he can now been found at 10/1 with Sporting Bet. Fair enough he's never been beyond the quarter-finals in Melbourne but he's never been a player that the others fear before and I'm sure he will go far this year.

My second pick was a toss up between two men showing promise at present, Fernando Verdasco and Marin Cilic, but I went with the latter because he is young, talented and yet to fulfil his potential whereas Verdasco may have reached his peak.

Cilic is 40/1 with Sporting Bet and a good each way punt. He's in the same quarter of the draw as Del Potro and Roddick but proved at the US Open that he has the game to beat the best and is fresh from a tournament win in Chennai.

With the lack of big name players in form, I believe it could be the year of the underdog and am hoping for a big pay out as a consequence.

RECOMMENDATIONS
3pts EW - NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO @ 10/1 (Sporting Bet)
1pt EW - MARIN CILIC 40/1 (Sporting Bet)

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