Federer slides in Australian Open betting, drops retirement hint

Six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer remains in the betting to win a seventh title, despite the tennis legend dropping a retirement hint in the past 24 hours. 

Federer is at $9.00 to win the 2021 Australian Open, which he looks increasingly unlikely to contest, after admitting his 39-year-old body may not allow him to return to the court. 

The Swiss superstar last played when he lost the semi-final of the Australian Open on January 30 this year to Novak Djokovic, who defeated Dominic Thiem in the final. 

More: Tennis betting guide

Federer, speaking at the Switzerland Sports Awards, said his body was still not ready to return to professional tennis despite making steady progress since knee surgery in February. 

He said he was aiming to return for one last Wimbledon tilt and a shot at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, but admitted the February 8 Australian Open might be too soon. 

“It’s a race against time for the Australian Open, we will see,” the 20-time grand slam champion said.

“I’m curious to see whether it will start on February 8. Of course it would help if I had a bit more time.

“I would have hoped that I would be 100 per cent in October. But I am still not today. It will be tight for the Australian Open.”

Despite the possible absence of the Swiss legend, the Australian Open is still expected to attract many of the world’s top players, with most indicating a desire to come to Australia, where they will be under strict Covid-19 protocols. 

Djokovic is a hot favourite to win the tournament at $2.10 as he attempts to add an 18th grand slam event to his trophy cabinet, with the Serbian ace just three behind Federer’s record. 

Daniil Medvedev ($6.00 at Betway), Dominic Thiem ($6.00), Rafael Nadal ($7) and Alexander Zverev ($13) are also in Australian Open betting calculations. New punters can check out our top International betting sites for the best tennis odds.

Odds for the 2021 Australian Open men’s tennis 

Novak Djokovic 2.10
Daniil Medvedev 6.00 
Dominic Thiem 6.00
Rafael Nadal 7.00
Roger Federer 7.00
Roger Federer 9.00
Alexander Zverev 13.00
Stefanos Tsitsipas 13.00
Andrey Rublev 21.00
Nick Kyrgios 23.00
Alex De Minaur 34.00
Andy Murray 34.00
Denis Shapovalov 34.00
Milos Raonic 34.00

** All Australian Open Men’s odds available at William Hill.

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