So we find ourselves at the end of a good week of tennis. Regardless of the result today, it has been a great week and just what was needed to kick off the new year. After the final tonight, I will post the statistics for the week, and this is something I will look to do every Sunday I am active this year.

Best Bet

Roger Federer -4 games at $1.80 at Sportingbet (Confidence 75%) – As posted on Twitter at 1:10pm AEDST

Roger Federer vs Lleyton Hewitt

The final everyone with tickets in Brisbane wanted. What a great atmosphere there will be for this final. It really is a shame that the final is set for 3:30 local time, when the sun will dominate the court and make it difficult viewing for those watching at home.

I am going to keep this one short. I don’t think Lleyton can match Roger at the moment, especially the way his serve is going. To serve at a touch over 51% isn’t going to cut it against Federer in my opinion, unless he plays out of his skin. I am happy to oppose Hewitt here, especially on form across the week.

Hewitt did have his struggles against Thanasi Kokkinakis, however I am going to forgive that match for After a VERY slow start against Lopez early in the week, Lopez capitulated and completely played himself out of the match with poor double faults at key moments. Marius Copil completely played himself out of their quarter final, and you could tell that Kei Nishikori was absolutely struggling in the late stages of the 2nd set, and then the entirety of the 3rd set. Lleyton just did what he needed to do, and got through to the final.

Roger looked a little frazzled against Jeremy Chardy yesterday, but that is moreso due to Chardy being a really awkward matchup for Federer. Any play who has a crushing serve and a huge forehand is every chance of challenging any player on their day. What needs to be recognised is Federer did not drop serve all match, and is yet to drop serve in the tournament.

Taking into consideration form, the conditions and the crowd, I am happy to side with Roger here. Lleyton has been struggling with his serve percentage this week, and I think knowing that Federer is at the other end he will try to force the issue a little bit more, and could pay the price. Federer will have a number of opportunities to break in this match in my opinion, he just needs to be bigger in the key moments.

Suggested Bet: Roger Federer -4 games at $1.80 at Sportingbet

Confidence: 75%

NOTE – I still would play Federer -4.5 games, just at a reduced confidence (ie not a best bet.)