Australian Open Final: Roger Federer vs. Andy Murray

Melbourne , Australia – Roger Federer is a victory away from capturing his 16 th Grand Slam title, an unprecedented record in the men’s game. But won’t the humble champion be the first person to tell you winning a Grand Slam is not easy.

Nobody would understand that sentiment better than Andy Murray who is still searching for that elusive maiden Grand Slam title and vying to end Britain’s 70-something- year’s major title drought.

Murray lost to Federer in the US Open final two years ago, his only real shot at a major title to date. Having had his ambitions thwarted once, and rather convincingly as he lost in straight sets, should motivate the Scot to put forward a better account this time around. The market certainly tips him rather encouragingly at +135 to finally come of age at a major.

Methinks the market is rather deflated to account for patriotic British betting. Murray is too short in my opinion for a player that has never won a major title. I would have had him at slightly longer odds. I suppose that is neither here nor there. Even so, bettors should not be fooled and read too much into his casting.

Roger Federer is the maestro and the firm favourite at -175 to win outright at BetOnline. Given his know-how at this level, one has to give him the edge over Murray, regardless of where the market has positioned itself.

Tennis Betting Line:
Roger Federer -2½ -110 -175 39½ O -140 U Ev
Andrew Murray +2½ -130 +135 39½ O -140 U Ev

First Set Line:

Roger Federer -160 9½ O -160 U +120
Andrew Murray +120 9½ O -160 U +120

Second Set Line:
Roger Federer -150 9½ O -165 U +125
Andrew Murray +110 9½ O -165 U +125

Match Set Line:
Roger Federer -150 9½ O -165 U +125
Andrew Murray +110 9½ O -165 U +125

Match Time: 03:45 AM Eastern Time Saturday January 30, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Andy Murray has an encouraging head-to-head edge over Roger Federer and that has some convinced he will upset Federer in Melbourne. Murray leads the series 6-4 but all the victories came at lesser events, in best of three scenarios. The only time they ever met at a Grand Slam Federer schooled Murray 6-2, 7-5, 6-2.

Of course, Murray has improved many aspects of his game and has set himself up well as a potential champion. He can definitely vex Federer and make this a tough match. But to do so he will have to take it from Federer. Counterpunching his way to the title is not going to work.

I like Roger Federer to come away with the victory but I cannot reasonably dissuade bettors from laying a risk on Murray. Therefore, decide which player you want to side with and follow up with the additional options available. For my part, Federer to win at -175 and cover the spread at -2 ½ -110 is the sound play. The Over 39 ½ -140 appears to be a good bet but the Unders is listed at Evens, which suggests the bookies believe there is a real possibility Murray might not account as well as many think he will.

Suggested additional bets are to take Federer to win the first set at -160 and Under 9 ½ +120. Andy Murray might be able to sneak the second set off Federer at +110 but I am fancying Federer to take that one as well at -150. I expect the second set will be more competitive, it always does take time for Murray to wake up and realize his surroundings. So I like the Overs at 91/2 -165 there. Match Set Line, I like Federer at -150 and the Overs at 9 ½ -165.

Get in on the action now – SIGN UP HERE