Originally Posted by
sando
Hopman Cup (Perth Australia)
Serbia to win outright ($2.05, +105 Sportingbet) 2x
(Novak Djokovic)
(Anna Ivanovic)
The same team that qualified for last years final returns again this year in Anna and the Djoker. Last year they looked completely dominant heading into the final before Anna had to withdraw from the tournament on the eve of the final with an abdominal injury ending the Serbian run. Personally they are very close friends and play well together as a team in the all important doubles matches. Also Serbia as a country has a lot of national pride and any Serbian tennis player who represents their country (Davis, Fed, Hopman cups) treats it as an honour, unlike some who couldn't care less about an "insignificant" event like the Hopman cup. Anna's last match on Nov 3rd was a Fed cup match (National duty) where she looked great in disposing of powerhouse Kvitova in straight sets as a massive dog. Novak in particular will be keen for a good hit out as the Hopman cup plexicushion hardcourts are EXACTLY the same courts as the AUS open hardcourts, the balls are the same, in fact they have tried to replicate as many conditions as possible from the AUS open for the specific purpose of luring the big guns who would understand this is the best possible warm up for the years first grand slam of which Djokovic is of course the big favorite. The Serbian duo were cruising last year before Anna's unfortunate injury and they will no doubt feel as if they have unfinished business to take care of. Also Novak will be keen for a strong performance to fine tune his AUS open preparations. This price (Even money) will drop I expect every day from here in heading into the start of the tournament which is still a few days away, and by the mid point of the tournament do not be surprised to see the Serb's already into $1.50, -200 favouritism. With some books they are already as low as $1.70, -142, so make sure you shop around and take no worse than $1.90, -110, although if you are quick you can still get better than than at many books (Luxbet $2.00, Bet 365 $1.90, 188 bet, betezy, you win).