2009 AUSTRALIAN OPEN BETTING TIPS: FEDERER TO BEAT NADAL 3-1 ACCORDING TO BOOKMAKERS

What a tournament it's been down under! The world's top two men's tennis players have worked their way through the competition and are facing off in what is set to be an absolute classic. Many punters are confident that Federer has gotten things back on track and the momentum that he would receive coming out of this grand slam with a victory against his old rival tucked under his belt would mean a lot for him going forward into the rest of the season. At the current listing, Federer is backed by bookmaker William Hill at 4/6 contrasted with Nadal's 6/5. Despite being ranked the world #1, Rafa Nadal looked a little behind the pace in his epic battle with Verdasco. Federer will be fresher and more relaxed and he is really looking like his old self out there. For me, the real value is in the set betting with a number of different permutations out there. I think this one will really be a battle for the ages and could very well wind up being a 3-2 victory. A 3-2 in favour of Federer pays 5/1 while Nadal pays 11/2. 3-1 to Federer is the shortest price, listed at 3/1 while 3-1 in favour of Nadal pays 9/2. A straight sets victory for Nadal pays 6/1 compared to Federer's 7/2. Personally, I'm going to back Federer in a 3/2 victory as that 5/1 represents a lot more value to me than the 3/1 for the 3-1. I simply think that Nadal has a lot of pride at stake and will be in good form following his win over Verdasco. However, I think Federer simply has too much going in his favour at this point. All I know is that this one will be close. You can back both to win 3-2 and be in the money regardless.