Enjoy here the match factors of Day 10 On Australian Open tennis Tournament-2009.
Nadal (1) v Simon (6). Despite strong opposition, the phenomenal Nadal is now the hot favourite. In fact, it’s not too premature to state he may give the Grand Slam an almighty shake in 2009. He’ll be favoured to win again at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and an Australian victory would boost his chances at the US Open on a similar surface. But, first, today Rafa must pass Simon, who won’t be a pushover. The Frenchman was one of the big movers in 2008, winning three titles and joining his compatriot Tsonga in the top 10. Equally noteworthy, he beat Nadal in October by 3-6 7-5 7-6 on a hardcourt in Madrid. Nadal in four.
Betfair odds: Nadal $1.13 Simon $8.60
Tsonga (5) v Verdasco (14). Verdasco can’t yet boast many titles in his CV, but his Davis Cup exploits in Argentina in November, when he clinched the trophy for Spain, has given him tremendous confidence. So far, he’s conceded just two sets, both to Murray, who was generally thought likely to beat him for the sixth straight time. However, the Spaniard recalled how he’d clawed back from two sets to one in the Davis Cup decider, and drew strength from the memory. Verdasco, at 25 a late bloomer, backs up his left-handed attack with great determination. The same can be said of the right-handed 2008 finalist Tsonga, who clearly has excellent vibes whenever he steps on Rod Laver Arena, and takes more risks. Tsonga in five.
Betfair odds: Verdasco $2.75 Tsonga $1.57
S. Williams (2) v Kuznetsova (8). Their head-to-head record stands at 4-1 in Serena’s favour, with the American winning their most recent encounter, at Miami in 2008, 3-6 7-5 6-3. Here, Serena’s had a few lapses, but has dropped only one set. What’s more, her three previous victories at Melbourne Park must give her confidence the closer the climax approaches. On the other hand, Kuznetsova, the US Open champ of 2004, has never been beyond the quarterfinals in Melbourne. Williams in three.
Betfair odds: Serena Williams $1.37 Kuznetsova $3.65
Dementieva (4) v Suarez Navarro. The Spaniard hails from the Canary Islands, which are better-known for being volcanic than for producing tennis players. Carla caused something of an explosion herself when she made the quarterfinals of the French Open last year on her Grand Slam main-draw debut. Now she’s done the same at the Australian Open. At 20, seven years younger than Dementieva, she displays great aplomb and beat Venus Williams in the second round. Fearless came a cropper tipping Cibulkova against Dementieva, who’s never before passed the fourth round here. But, then, he never has much luck tipping Melbourne Cup outsiders either. Maybe he can recoup today. Suarez Navarro in three.
Betfair odds: Suarez Navarro $4.60 Dementieva $1.27
