Posted on
1/29/2008 7:23:13 PM
Australian Open Final: Tsonga vs. Djokovic
By Nila Amerova
Melbourne, Australia – At the start of this tournament, I discussed the significance of the Plexicushion facelift the Australian Open received this year. I predicted that it would yield a surprise or two; more importantly, it would be a concern for the favourites. Well, here we are, nearing the end of a fortnight of tennis betting down under, and with only one more matchup left on the men’s side, before the 2008 Australian Open Champion is crowned on Sunday, lined-up we have a billing few would have expected at the beginning: World No.3 Novak Djokovic vs. Unseeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The noticeably slower surface proved to be a real problem, namely for defending Australian Open Champion Roger Federer, who favors the higher-paced hard courts of the US Open. In fact, both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the semifinals struggled to adjust their game and penetrate the court with a variety of topspin and slices against their respective opponents – Novak Djokovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (both predominantly baseline huggers).
The markedly slower surface allowed Djokovic and Tsonga, who play passing shots and deep groundstrokes exceedingly well ,to hang in the rallies, only to eventually overpowering the top two players in tennis today with winning forehand and backhand shots from the baseline. So as the two first-time Australian Open finalists prepare to face-off on Sunday, January 27, 2008, here is a brief look at the odds that are currently live with BetUS Sportsbook.
Tennis Betting Line:
Novak Djokovic (1st Set) -210 Over 10 -140
Jo Wilfried Tsonga (1st Set) +160 Under 10 EV
Novak Djokovic -325 Over 41½ -130
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga +210 Under 41½ -110
Tennis Prediction: The Australian Open served up more than a surprise or two, and for some—namely the proponents of shifting tides and era endings –welcome surprises. Well, I for one don’t believe Rod Laver Arena is done surprising us, and will serve-up another upset on Sunday. More to the point, I am picking the underdog Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the win.
Surprised? Why? I did say the Australian Open would yield a surprise or two – do try and keep up – and I for one believe the best has been saved for last.
Tsonga shares more in common with Mohammad Ali than just an external resemblance. The Frenchman plays like a fighter in the ring, lending Ali’s self-description, “I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee,” an appropriate foreshadowing of what I believe is in store for Djokovic.
Tsonga, has surprised everyone with his play, and I believe in spite of the lack of Grand Slam experience, his dream story deserves a fitting end. Tsonga’s magical dance into the finals has convinced everyone –from pundits to tennis experts alike—that a new star has been born. I believe in this star; I believe in his dream and it is with great anticipation that I, along with the rest of the world, will watch this dream unfold.
Tennis Free Picks: Tsonga in four sets
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Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room