13th Jan 2014 | Australian Open
Azarenka Bids For Unlikely Aussie Open Hat-trick
Champion in 2012 and 2013 but nobody gives 'Vika' a chance of beating mighty Serena.
You couldn’t confidently bet against Serena Williams winning an 18th Grand Slam singles title in Melbourne but at best odds of 4/6 (Betfred) we’re almost obliged to find better value elsewhere.
That value comes in the each-way market, with the winner of the Australian Open in both of the two past two years, Victoria Azarenka. Ladbrokes go a best price 5/1 on the world number two making it a hat-trick, and crucially they pay out half odds if she just makes the final. Significantly, she won’t have to beat Williams to accomplish this.
The Belarussian is comfortably the most consistent player once Serena is taken out of the equation. Maria Sharapova is coming back from a long term shoulder injury while Azarenka also has fond memories of beating Li Na in the final here last year. They are the most likely semi-final opponents for our 24-year-old hopeful so we should be confident.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 21:13 13th Jan, 2014 but subject to change
