Tennis odds for the Australian open

Serena Williams not a dead cert?

Serena Williams has enjoyed a successful affiliation with the first grand slam event on the calendar, and comes into the 2010 Australian Open as the defending champion. The 28-year-old has been triumphant in 4 of the past 6 editions of the tournament, including her emphatic victory in last year's final over Dinara Safina. But this year's womens event doesn't seem as clear cut, writes Brad Thompson.

The injection of classy Kim Clijsters, who has advanced to at least the semi finals in her last five attempts and the granting of a wildcard to Justine Henin, opens up the betting market.

Belgian Kim Clijsters coasted past Serena Williams in the US Open semi final, then went on to record her first title since returning from retirement by beating Caroline Wozniacki in the final. It was her first grand slam title since taking out the Us Open back in 1995. At her best, she is a player capable of toppling world number one Serena Williams.

Wildcard entrant Justine Henin holds one of the more favourable head-to-head records against Serena Williams with a 6-7 win-loss record. The former world number one has struggled to overcome a number of injuries and illnesses in recent times, but has vowed to make a commitment to return to the top level.

The Belgian pocket rocket is sure to be preparing diligently to add to her 2004 Australian Open title. In her past 5 attempts here, her worst finish has been a quarter final loss to eventual winner Maria Sharapova in 2008.

The Australian Open assignment seems to be one out of Venus Williams' reach. She has consistently been proven incapable of defeating the top players, and her sixth ranking is a good guide to her chances. A good chance of making the last 8, but it's hard to entertain thoughts of her advancing any further.

Australian Sam Stosur is clearly the only hope from the Australian brigade. She will represent good value, and backing her early could be a viable venture. Depending on the draw, she is capable of making the quarter or semi finals.

Former world No. 8 Alicia Molik has earmarked the Australian Open as a launching pad to her comeback in 2010. Until she shows glimpses of her best, I can't see her coming into calculations.

2008 Australian Open winner Maria Sharapova, despite her No.16 world ranking looks one of the major players. The enigmatic Russian has reached the final for the past two years and if the glamour girl of world tennis can find the right side of the draw could be a major player.

The Russian brigade of Dinara Safina, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Elena Dementieva and Vena Zvonerava are all capable of producing scintillating tennis along with Bulgarian Victoria Azarenka. Once the draw is produced it will be easier to gauge their chances, but could figure in the finish. At least one of them should make the last 4 and all are at very affordable odds. All are capable of finding form for this event, the key will be uncovering which one it will be this time.