Ladies Tennis: Australian Open Final

The climax to the ladies tennis Australian Open takes place on Saturday as Maria Sharapova takes on her fierce rival Serena Williams. Both players head into the match in red hot form which should make for an exciting encounter.

Sharapova and Williams won their semi-finals without too much trouble earlier today. Kim Clijsters couldn't handle Sharapova in this form and she went down 6-2, 6-4. Serena Williams' opponent did put up more of a fight, but eventually lost to the two time former champion 7-6, 6-4. This sets up a Saturday final which will surely be one for the tennis purist.

Sharapova is the hot favourite at 4/9 with almost all bookmakers. Williams attracts quotes around the 2/1 mark. Sharapova is wary of her dangerous opponent though, she said, "I'm going to be playing against a player that didn't really expect too much coming into this tournament. She's playing some really good tennis. I think she has nothing to lose going into the match. Those are always dangerous opponents."

Williams has been out of sorts of late after suffering from injury. However, this tournament has seen the return to form of the former champion and many are predicting a close encounter. The two ladies have met four times previously, both have claimed two victories each.

The 2/1 price on offer for Williams does, on the face of things, appear to be a generous one. Serena will really need to be back at the top of her game to overcome Sharapova, however. Although the price is extremely short, and we're not great fans of backing odds-on shots, Sharapova at 4/9 with Bet365 for outright victory appears the only sensible bet.

Bet365 also give Williams a 4 game start on the handicap. If you expect a tight game, as many pundits do, the price of 10/11 for Williams looks like an attractive one.

Ed note: Make your bets on the Ladies Open Final at Bet365

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