Britain’s Andy Murray to finally end his Australian Open hoodoo

While the French Open trophy looks likely to remain the personal property of Spain’s Rafael Nadal for some time to come, Britain’s Andy Murray can win the other major that eludes him later this month.

Murray is the third favourite to land the title Down Under at 8/1 and after reaching three of the last four finals the Scot looks to be the best value of the top three.

Novak Djokovic is the clear favourite at evens after winning the last three tournaments in Melbourne and Nadal, who has looked as sharp as ever since returning from long-term injury, is priced as the second favourite at 5/2.

With the top two offering much smaller returns than the 2013 Wimbledon and 2012 US Open winner, Murray has to be the ante-post pick for those looking to make some serious cash.

Murray’s consistent presence at the business end of tournaments – he has reached the semis or better in nine of his last 11 Majors – means he can be relied upon to navigate his way through the early rounds with relative ease.

This alone make the 8/1 on him winning here a tempting price but when you factor in that Roger Federer – who beat Murray in the 2010 Aussie final – is now essentially a spent force among the very elite of men’s tennis then the Brit’s chances appear greatly enhanced.

Of course Djokovic’s dominance Down Under is a consideration but Murray over the last four finals between the two the head-to-head reads two apiece, showing that the BBC Sports Personality winner can mix it with the Serb when on top of his game.

And, while Murray now has two major titles to his name, many thought it would be the Aussie tournament that ended his days as a nearly man as he has arguably been more consistent at Melbourne Park over the last four years than at SW19, Flushing Meadows or Roland Garros.

So, while Djokovic is clearly the man to beat, now would be the time to back Murray, with his price sure to shorten as he marches toward the final.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date

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