Men's Australian Open Preview

Tennis’s first Grand Slam event of 2012 is already upon us in Melbourne. We look at some of the ones to watch.

All odds given are to win the tournament and are the best available on the market. Just click on any of the links, sign up with the relevant bookie and claim your free bets.

Novak Djokovic: (27/20 Sportingbet)

Age: 24
World Ranking: 1
Grand Slam Titles: 4

Verdict: He was undeniably the man of 2011; he won three Slams, went 41 matches unbeaten and is now number one in the world. We are told he is now well rested, but exhaustion and niggling injuries saw his form drop off at the end of the year.  Because of that 27/20 looks unappealing, even if he remains the one to beat.

Roger Federer: (4/1 PaddyPower)

Age: 30
World Ranking: 3
Grand Slam Titles: 16

Verdict: The elder statesman gave everyone something to think about at the end of 2011 when he enjoyed his strongest ever finish to a season. He won titles in Basle and Paris before claiming the ATP World Tour Finals in London. He was on a 20-match unbeaten run before he was forced to withdraw from the Qatar Open with a back injury. That was 10 days ago, if he is now fully recovered then a fifth Aussie Open is very possible.

Andy Murray: (11/2 Ladbrokes)

Age: 24
World Ranking: 4
Grand Slam Titles: 0

Verdict: Can new coach Ivan Lendl make all the difference? Murray reminds people that 2011 was the first time he had made at least the semi-finals of all four major events; the problem is people just remember that he still hasn’t won any of them. Melbourne may be his best bet given that he has made the last two finals. With at least minor doubts surrounding the fitness of the other top contenders, this could be his moment.

Rafa Nadal: (8/1 WilliamHill)

Age: 25
World Ranking: 2
Grand Slam Titles: 10

Verdict: Hard to believe, but the tennis landscape has changed so much in 12 months that it would now be a surprise to see the Spaniard win Down Under. He says he’s fit, but he’s already planning February off to recuperate, and he isn’t sounding too happy. He got beaten repeatedly by Djokovic in 2011 and then Federer walloped him in London. He looks very much the least likely of the ‘Big 4’ to go all the way.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: (22/1 Sportingbet)

Age: 26
World Ranking: 6
Grand Slam Titles: 0

Verdict: If anyone can challenge the established order it looks likely to be the popular Frenchman. He beat Federer at Wimbledon in 2011 en route to the semis, and finished the season strongly by reaching the final of the ATP World Finals in London where the Swiss star claimed some revenge. Won the Qatar Open already in 2012 and reached the final of the Australian Open back in 2008. A good outsider.

Bernard Tomic: (100/1 Sportingbet)

Age: 19
World Ranking: 37
Grand Slam Titles: 0

Verdict: The home crowd will cheer on the youngest player ranked in the top 100 of the men’s game. A rising star, Tomic made headlines at Wimbledon by defeating Robin Soderling in straight sets before extending Djokovic in the quarter-finals. He appears to be improving fast in 2012; a semi-final spot at the Brisbane International was followed by victory in the AAMI Classic this month. He’ll be keen to further impress on home soil.