This weekend we’ll see some exciting tennis as the Australian Open finals are played. In the men’s draw, current world number one Novak Djokovic meets former world number one Rafael Nadal in what promises to be an interesting match. Nadal defeated Federer in four sets, and although he lost the first set, he seemed to be in cruise control for the remainder of the match. Djokovic was forced to five sets by Andy Murray in their semi-final, and cracks seem to be appearing in his game. This is one tournament where he has lost sets, something that was quite rare last year.

Bookmakers have responded by making Nadal the even money favourite to win marginally ahead of Djokovic at 6/5. We know that Nadal leaves his best for finals and while Djokovic had his measure last year, it should be remembered that Nadal carried an injury for much of the year. Nadal looks fresh whilst Djokovic looks a little jaded already, and a long five setter against Murray hasn’t helped his cause. We’re tipping Nadal to turn the tables on Djokovic, and we’re also tipping Nadal to return to the number one rank come year end.

In the women’s open, Victoria Azarenka (4/5) plays Maria Sharapova (6/5) in what is being labelled the battle of the grunts. One wonders if the tennis federation makes good on it’s intention to ban these loud grunts – if they do, what will these ladies do to get through a match? Sharapova is looking in great form while Azarenka is on rollercoaster having won 14 matches straight now. Just to add some spice to this match, the winner will most likely be crowned number one next week, the first time a woman has carried that title with a Grand Slam event to their name since the Williams sisters held the title.

Sharapova has a lot of experience on her side having won several Open’s in the past. For Azarenka, this will be her first Open should she win, and that lack of experience could tell. We’re tipping Sharapova, she’s much better odds in tennis betting, and may just be too strong for her younger opponent.