With just a number of weeks remaining until the first Grand Slam of the year gets underway, many of the leading names in tennis are stepping up preparations in Brisbane this week. The likes of Rafa Nadal, Kei Nishikori, Andy Murray and home favourite Nick Kyrgios are among the favourites for the title this year, with a large number of bets expected to be placed on the first tournament of the new season.
ATP Brisbane: The Contenders
Australian Nick Kyrgios defeated American Ryan Harrison in straight sets to win the ATP Brisbane title at the beginning of 2018, with the eccentric 23-year-old likely to be one of the favourites this time out too. However, Spaniard Rafa Nadal is currently offered the shortest odds with the bookmakers ahead of the tournament, despite the 2009 Australian Open champion having not played a competitive match for over a month.
Elsewhere, five-time Aussie Open finalist Andy Murray will be hoping to get 2019 off to a good start after a frustrating 12 months, with the Brit having returned from long-term injury in 2018. However, having been drawn against Australian James Duckworth in the opening round in Brisbane, the 31-year-old faces a battle to make it into the latter stages of the tournament.
There are a number of other big names taking to the courts in Brisbane this week, including next-gen stars including Alex De Minaur, Kyle Edmund and Daniil Medvedev, who are all potentially worth an outside bet.
ATP Brisbane: The Odds
- Rafael Nadal – 10/3 @Ladbrokes
- Kei Nishikori – 5/1 @Betfair
- Andy Murray – 15/2 @Coral
- Nick Kyrgios – 8/1 @Ladbrokes
- Grigor Dimitrov – 8/1 @10Bet
- Milos Raonic – 15/2 @Betfair
- Kyle Edmund – 11/1 @Coral
- Daniil Medvedev – 14/1 @PaddyPower
- Alex De Minaur – 14/1 @Betfair
ATP Brisbane: Our Betting Tips, Prediction & Preview
Despite the legendary Spanish player potentially being a little rusty this week, Rafa Nadal is undoubtedly worth backing given his consistent performances over the years. Nadal has adapted his game to be a major threat on hard courts, and if he can get passed a tough first round against likely opponent Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, he could well go all the way in Brisbane.
Elsewhere, we would also suggest backing home favourite Nick Kyrgios to reach the semi-finals of the tournament, with the defending champion undoubtedly hoping to put his past troubles behind him at the beginning of 2019. With many of the games biggest names making up the draw this week, predicting an outright winner is no easy task, however both Nadal and Kyrgios certainly standout from the crowd.