While the 2021 ATP and WTA calendar is almost complete, there is still plenty happening in the world of tennis. Stories of players being in good form, or being injured before the start of the 2022 season are everywhere, which will of course affect the betting odds for all the big tournaments that are happening in the first months of next year.
As soon as the clock strikes 00.01 on January the 1st, many fans will be checking their preferred sportsbooks for tennis action. Of course, the Australian Open is the event most fans will be searching for betting odds on, but there are a number of other smaller events that bettors will want to find odds on too.
There never is a quiet period in terms of betting on tennis.
So that you can be well informed before placing any bets, read on to find out some of the latest tennis news.
Raducanu tests positive for COVID-19
Without a doubt, the biggest news story within the world of tennis from the last 12 months was the emergence of Emma Radacunu, and how well she performed and handled herself by winning the US Open in September. Players who have to enter through the preliminary qualifying rounds are never expected to make it much beyond the first round proper, so for the young Brit to go on and win the tournament is almost impossible to believe. Few sportsbooks would have offered odds on her going on to this, but anyone who did bet on her at an early stage in Flushing Meadows would have been incredibly happy with the outcome.
There have been a number of WTA events for Raducanu to partake in since her win in September, though the first big slam since will take place in Melbourne in January at the Australian Open. Unfortunately for the 19-year-old, her preparation has not been going well, as she has just tested positive for COVID-19.
This means that she has had to pull out of the Mubadala World Tennis Championships being held in Abu Dhabi at the moment, and is instead self-isolating whilst she recovers. Hopefully her symptoms will remain mild, and that she can get back up to full fitness and find her form again before the Australian Open begins on the 17th of January. Raducanu is currently 12/1 to lift her 2nd Grand Slam in Melbourne, which many bettors will be interested in.
Will the Australian government allow in the unvaccinated, such as the men’s world No. 1?
Australia is one of the nations that has been incredibly strict with their COVID-19 restrictions and regulations. Because each state has its own government, and with that their own set of rules, it often means that people can’t travel between 2 different states, even if they border one another. This is especially true with anyone who hasn’t been double vaccinated against the disease.
This then really throws into question what will happen with any players who are due to compete in the Australian Open, who haven’t been double jabbed. Ordinarily, you’d expect the government to block anyone who isn’t jabbed from entering the state of Victoria, but what if that person is 20 times Grand Slam winner, and sports betting favourite Novak Djokovic?
The world number 1 has made no secret about his anti-vaccination stance, and doesn’t appear to be willing to change his mind anytime soon. Therefore, there is a lot of talk about whether or not he will be allowed to enter the country. It will of course severely alter the odds for the tournament, as he is currently the clear favourite at +110. Rumours are that special dispensation will be made for the Serbian star, which will please his fans, who will be hoping he picks up his 21st Grand Slam title in Melbourne, where he has already been successful 9 times before.
How will Nadal fare after so long out injured?
One of the most popular male players over the past 20 years has been the Spaniard Rafael Nadal. Ever since he burst onto the scene back in the mid 2000s, tennis fans have loved watching him play, with his raw power and strength being especially popular amongst the online betting community. He has won an impressive 20 Grand Slam titles in his career, with his most recent being the 2020 French Open.
However, Nadal has been severely hampered with a number of injuries down the year, with many fearing that they have begun to take over his body. He had to pull out of Wimbledon, the US Open and the Olympics last year, as he recovered from a left foot issue.
He does appear to have recovered in time to participate at the Australian Open, but will be a bit rusty given his lack of proper tennis in the last 6 months. Therefore, it is no surprise to see him at +700, which is much longer odds than he would have usually.
