/ Editor / 20 October 2007 /

Lleyton Hewitt and James Blake should come in for support in the betting when the markets develop for Sydney's biggest annual international sporting event, starting on January 6.

Punters pondering a bet should note that Australia's leading player, Hewitt, will be looking to become the first player since 1949 to win five Medibank International titles, while American ace Blake is bidding to become the first player since 1939 to win the tournament three years in a row.

Two-time Grand Slam winner and former world number one, Hewitt, will be looking to justify his odds and kick-start 2008 with victory on home soil and he is certain to appeal in the betting.

Hewitt and Blake have dominated this Tier II event in recent years and this is likely to be reflected in their odds so shrewd punters may decide to look elsewhere for an outside bet.

Last year's beaten finalist, Carlos Moya, caused a stir in the betting when he reached the quarter-finals of the French and US Opens in 2007 as well as winning an ATP title in Croatia and his odds could appeal.

Igor Andreev also lost to Blake in Sydney in 2006 but showed signs of progression in 2007 on his return from injury when he sprung a few bets to make his first Grand Slam quarter-final at Roland Garros.

The men's field for the 2007 tournament attracted 32 of the world's top 50 players, including three among the top five, so punters pondering a bet should have plenty to chew over when deciding whose odds appeal.

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