Men's Australian Open Tip: Roger Federer

There’s a lot of talk flying around that the era of tennis’s ‘Big Four’ is finally over after Stan Wawrinka won this tournament last year and then Marin Cilic triumphed in the US Open.

Nobody questions that Djokovic is still the man to beat in Melbourne but plenty assume that Federer is too old and that Nadal and Murray are too early on their respective roads to recovery to win this Australian Open.

I would probably concede on the latter point with even Nadal admitting that he wouldn’t put himself among the favourites at this stage. His injury problems have been significant and his early season form very questionable. By no means write him off long term, especially on clay, but the title is surely beyond him here.

Murray probably has more chance than Nadal, and he has made the final here three times since 2010. But Federer stands in his way and at best odds of 6/1 (Skybet) he represents our best bet.

He may be 33, but the 17-time Grand Slam champion is on imperious form. He actually enjoyed a fine 2014 - despite the lack of majors - which saw him rise back up to number two in the world. Federer has also begun 2015 with victory at the Brisbane International.

The Swiss star is thriving under Stefan Edberg and if the surface in Melbourne is indeed quicker than in recent years that will suit the four-time champion. He is one of the few top players still prepared to serve and volley on a semi-regular basis and that strategy could just give him the edge over the next fortnight.

The great thing about backing Federer each-way (1/2 odds if runner-up) is that we will make as much money even if he loses the final, most likely to Djokovic, as we would successfully backing the Serb to win.