The short build-up to the 2012 Australian Open means the previous season is of more use to punters than the embryonic campaign that precedes the opening major of the season. What have we learned in 2011?
A new era is dawning in women’s tennis
There were three new slam winners last year. In the preceding six seasons four players won maiden majors. Despite Maria Sharapova’s return to fitness, the old guard is gradually making way for fresh blood and the Williams sisters and Kim Clijsters will struggle to add many more titles to the 24 slams they have won between them. Those following the women’s tennis betting should bear this in mind.
Roger Federer likes a test of endurance
With his main rivals ill and injured, the new world number three was the last man standing at the Tour Finals. This is no coincidence: the energy-conserving fluency of Federer’s game means he suffers less niggles than Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, whose high-tempo hustling is a recipe for burnout. No wonder Federer failed to back their calls for a change to the tour schedule and is alone in wanting five-set matches at the Tour Finals. People looking at the Australian Open odds should remember this.
The only way is down for Djokovic
10 tour titles including three slams, five straight final victories over the world number one, six defeats in 79 matches. The statistics do not do the world number one’s achievements justice, as he has produced such record-breaking form in the most competitive era in men’s tennis. He must adjust his goals for 2012, as he cannot repeat the form of this year.
