Men’s Final
The Players
Andy Murray – 27 year old Scotland born 6th seed. Two time grand slam winner, and interestingly, just seven days older than his opponent. One of the better defensive exponents in the game. An excellent returner of serve and ball retriever – he has looked in excellent shape at this year’s Open.
Novak Djokovic – The Serbian number one seed is the heavy favourite after not dropping a set until the Semi-Final. Has history on his side at the Australian Open and already 7 major titles to his name. Strong, patient player with no weaknesses.
The Road to the Final
Andy Murray
1st round: d. Y.Bhambri 6-3 6-4 7-6(3)
2nd round: d. M.Matosevic 6-1 6-3 6-2
3rd round: d. J.Sousa 6-1 6-1 7-5
4th round: d. [10] G.Dimitrov 6-4 6-7(5) 6-3 7-5
QF: d. N.Kyrgios 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3
SF: d. [7] T.Berdych 6-7(6) 6-0 6-3 7-5
Novak Djokovic
1st round: d. A.Bedene 6-3 6-2 6-4
2nd round: d. A.Kuznetsov 6-0 6-1 6-4
3rd round: d. [31] F.Verdasco 7-6(8) 6-3 6-4
4th round: d. G.Muller 6-4 7-5 7-5
QF: d. [8] M.Raonic 7-6(5) 6-4 6-2
SF: d. [4] S.Wawrinka 7-6(1) 3-6 6-4 4-6 6-0
The Pair’s History
Djokovic leads 15-8 overall and has won on the four most recent encounters. Three previous Australian Open meetings all won by Djokovic.
The Pair’s Australian Open Record
Andy Murray – Three time finalist (2010, 2011, 2013). Note, two of the loses to Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic – Four previous titles (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013), including three in a row between 2011-13. Never lost an Australian Open Final.
The Odds (courtesy of Unibet Australia)
Andy Murray – $2.80
Novak Djokovic – $1.45
The Winner
If Murray plays as aggressively as he did against Tomas Berdych he has a good chance. He’ll need luck, he’ll need Djokovic to be a little below his best, and he’ll need to keep those fiery emotions in check. We don’t think he’ll have all those factors in his favour – we’re tipping Djokovic in four. Check the odds on a tie-break in the first set too.
The Unibet Special
Throughout this year’s Australian Open, you can get your stake refunded as cash if your player goes down in five sets.
This special is available on your first ‘Match’ (head-to-head) bet on all Australian Open matches. Cash refund capped at $50 per match.
Women’s Final
The Players
Serena Williams – The 33 year old jointly holds the record for the second most number of grand slam titles with Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova at 18 (Steffi Graf has the most at 22). With a win in the 2015 Australian Open Final she’ll go into second on her own.
Maria Sharapova – At just 27 Sharapova has plenty of time to shake the Serena Williams hoodoo off, but needs to start soon. Will take heart from Tomas Berdych’s win over Nadal after losing 17 in a row, after she herself has lost the last 15 against Serena. Will call on her major final experience of which she has won 5.
The Road to the Final
Serena Williams
1st round: d. Alison Van Uytvanck 6-0 6-4
2nd round: d. Vera Zvonareva 7-5 6-0
3rd round: d. [26] Elina Svitolina 4-6 6-2 6-0
4th round: d. [24] Garbiñe Muguruza 2-6 6-3 6-2 (2h00)
QF: d. [11] Dominika Cibulkova 6-2 6-2
SF: d. Madison Keys 7-6(5) 6-2
Maria Sharapova
1st round: d. [Q] Petra Martic 6-4 6-1
2nd round: d. [Q] Alexandra Panova 6-1 4-6 7-5
3rd round: d. [31] Zarina Diyas 6-1 6-1
4th round: d. [21] Peng Shuai 6-3 6-0
QF: d. [7] Eugenie Bouchard 6-3 6-2
SF: d. [10] Ekaterina Makarova 6-3 6-2
The Pair’s History
Williams has totally dominated Sharapova over the years. She holds an incredible 16-2 winning record against the Russian with the last victory coming in Miami last year. The two share an incredible rivalry but if Sharapova can’t get another win soon, it will go down in history as an awfully one-sided rivalry.
The Pair’s Australian Open Record
Serena Williams – Has won the tile on five occasions (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010).
Maria Sharapova – One Australian Open title. Won in 2008.
The Odds (courtesy of Luxbet Australia)
Serena Williams – $1.41
Maria Sharapova – $2.90
The Winner
Sharapova has done it easier than Serena thus far, but the gripping stranglehold might be too much to get past. We see Serena winning this one in three.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
