Australian Open Betting / Barry Millns / 25 January 2008 / 1

Tennis commentator Barry Millns previews the women's Australian Open final and tells us why it's the match-up everyone wanted to see

Arguably the most glamorous grand slam final line-up there has ever been, the number of 'hits' Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic get online far exceeds the number of balls they have struck as professional tennis players. Yet while the hordes of 'snappers' clicking at every move made by the blonde and the brunette will make Rod Laver Arena seem more like a catwalk, these two young talents fully deserve to be tilting for the year's first major title.

Both 20 years old, they are shining examples of making the most of the opportunities that have come their way. Out of considerable adversity and sacrifice in their formative years has come incredible strength and determination to succeed on the world's stage and to achieve wealth which they could only have dreamt of just a few years ago.

For Sharapova, bursting through to win Wimbledon aged 17 gave her a global profile which has flourished ever since, even if her tennis has not always lived up to her billing. Becoming world No.1 in 2005 and winning the 2006 US Open preceded her first appearance in the Australian Open final twelve months ago but on that occasion, already struggling with a shoulder injury, she was crushed by Serena Williams.

Much of the rest of Sharapova's 2007 season was undermined by injuries but she ended it by making an impressive comeback at the Championships in Madrid, where she very nearly won an epic final against top contender Justine Henin. That certainly bode well for this year and so it has proved, the long-legged Russian striding through the draw without dropping a set, dismissing Henin along the way 6-4, 6-0!

The serve that had suffered last year is now back to its booming best, the ground-strokes are being struck with immense power, precision and confidence and at almost every opportunity to attack, Sharapova has done so, punishing all her opponents for any signs of weakness. Like Henin, Sharapova's semi-final opponent Jelena Jankovic could only take four games off her and it is left to Jankovic's Serbian compatriot Ivanovic to try and stop the Russian roller-coaster.

Having enjoyed a career-best season last year, winning three more titles, breaking into the Top 10 and reaching a first grand slam final, Ivanovic has continued to shine so far in 2008 by reaching the semis in Sydney before making this final in Melbourne. Also possessing a big serve and booming ground-strokes, Ivanovic beat her first five opponents, including Venus Williams, in straight sets before fighting back from the loss of the first eight games to beat Daniela Hantuchova in their three-set semi-final.

Both finalists are fitter than they have ever been, improved movement around the court another feature of their fortnights so far heading into their fifth encounter. Two wins apiece in previous matches, Sharapova won their last match in Madrid, as well as the first in 2006 which was the only one played until now on a hard court.

After last year's Ozzie disappointment, Sharapova is clearly hell-bent on making amends this time and picking up her third major title. "I've won two Grand Slams. I've been No. 1 in the world. I didn't do it just by waking up and eating ice cream all day. I've worked for all the things that I have achieved. I know that I'm capable of achieving more."

For Ivanovic, having experienced being runner-up at Roland Garros, there is no doubting her hunger to go one better and become Serbia's first grand slam champion: "Emotions are definitely not a bad thing. It's something that actually got me where I'm here today. It's just important to learn how to make it work for you instead of against you...Now I can control my emotions a little bit better and just to direct them in a positive way. I really hope I can be mentally strong out there tomorrow and do the same thing."

Current match odds have Sharapova as firm favourite at [1.22] with Ivanovic at [5.3]. Set betting has Sharapova trading at [1.61] to win in straight sets and [5.1] to win in three, while Ivanovic is [12] and [9] respectively. Other markets include Game Betting, 1st Set Correct Score and Total Games.

Ultimately, with such similar styles the final is going to come down to a big battle of wills and who can be stronger on the key points. I just hope that Sharapova's shrieks and Ivanovic's sneaker squeaks don't spoil the spectacle!

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

(1)

1. Educated Bet | 25 January 2008

   I am going with Sharapova to win I am also picking her for the bathing suit competition. It is odd how fans want the more attractive player to win, isn't it?
   Peace..iron mIke

:

:

:

?

: