Heading into any major tournament, there is always pressure on the top players to perform well and win the title. It’s probably fair to suggest that the pressure gets greater when you are the defending champion, and also when some of the other top players are either out or are coming into the event carry niggling injuries. Prior to the start of the first Grand Slam of the season, the opinion was that nobody can take Roger Federer’s place as the 2018 Australian Open lines favorite.
After all, Andy Murray was forced to sit out after undergoing hip surgery, while Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were heading into the tournament at less than 100% health. Throughout his career, Federer has been one of the coolest customers on the men’s tour, and if there was any sign that he was feeling the pressure of being the favorite to win here, he certainly did not show it.
Roger is once again into the Australian Open Men’s Final where he will defend his crown against the #6 ranked Croatian player Marin Cilic. Are we in for a classic, or will Federer back the Tennis betting lines to ease his way to another title?
Given his age, it is probably good that he has taken this path, and he should be incredibly well rested after playing a little more than a single set in the semi-final, with Hyeon Chung forced to retire early in the second. A win here would be the 20th Grand Slam title for Federer and his 6th Australian Open crown.
2018 Australian Open Betting Preview: Cilic vs. Federer (Men’s Final)
“I’m just happy I’m in the finals to be honest.” @rogerfederer wishes @HyeonChung a speedy recovery and turns his attention to his next opponent: Marin #Cilic.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/EFwIZGOOdm
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 26 de enero de 2018
- When: Saturday, January 27 at TBD
- Where: Melbourne Park, Australia
- TV: ESPN
- Live Stream: Watch ESPN
- 2018 Australian Open Betting Odds: Roger Federer -430 (Moneyline)
Why bet on Marin Cilic?
- Age: 29 years
- Turned pro: 2005
- Height: 198 cm
- Weight: 89 kg
- Playing hand: Right-handed
- Prize money: $20,944,791 USD
Why bet on Roger Federer?
- Age: 36 years
- Turned pro: 1998
- Height: 185 cm
- Weight: 85 kg
- Playing hand: Right-handed
- Prize money: $111,885,682 USD
Given his age, it is probably good that he has taken this path, and he should be incredibly well rested after playing a little more than a single set in the semi-final, with Hyeon Chung forced to retire early in the second. A win here would be the 20th Grand Slam title for Federer and his 6th Australian Open crown.
Australian Open Men’s Final Prediction
In the 9 previous meetings between these two, we have only seen them go beyond the third set one time, which suggests that we might see a shorter final than we hope for. It’s tough to bet against Federer given how well he has played at this event, so be sure to back his 2018 Australian Open Betting Odds to win the title.Last 10 Champions
- 2017: Roger Federer
- 2016: Novak Djokovic
- 2015: Novak Djokovic
- 2014: Stanislas Wawrinka
- 2013: Novak Djokovic
- 2012: Novak Djokovic
- 2011: Novak Djokovic
- 2010: Roger Federer
- 2009: Rafael Nadal
- 2008: Novak Djokovic
