Betting odds, analysis, and a recommendation for the Andreev vs Federer match at the 2010 Australian Open.

The Australian Open begins for Roger Federer with a match against Igor Andreev, the 36th ranked player in the world. 

It comes as absolutely no surprise that Federer's price has come in way too short to bet for this match as he is both a talented and very popular player.  The only question, in terms of making a straight up pick for the match, is if Andreev is worth sprinkling at the price that he is offered at.

For those interested in Federer's line, head over to Paddy Power where he is priced at -3300 (1/33), but just because we're relaying the best price we could find on Fed, doesn't mean we're tipping him. 

Without question Federer is the favorite in the match and he is even a big one, but what's the point of pounding -3300 when the return is barely anything anyways?  You're just going to end up sweating bullets if Andreev is in the match at all and you'll wonder why you put a bill down on a guy just to profit enough money for a McDonald's Happy Meal.

Andreev is +1400 (14/1; bet365, Coral) and in all honesty it has to be said that there is some value there. 

When you look at Andreev what you find is a moderate threat, the type of player that has a big victory here and there but loses to some pretty shoddy competition at times too. 

He hasn't played a match yet in 2010, but he was active in 2009, a year for him that included a third round appearance at the Australian Open as well as other moderate Slam success (lost to James Blake).

The only big win Andreev had over a top player last season was a victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - and Tsonga is no Federer.

But sometimes longshots are still priced too long and when that is the case, you have to bet them.  You'll lose 90% of your bets or more when you work with longshots, but when someone comes in at +1400 (14/1) that will make up for all the misses and them some.

Based largely on Federer's questionable form in the last few months, you have to sprinkle Andreev in this match or don't bet it for a straight up call (check out set betting features with bet365 instead).

Go to bet365 to bet on the Australian Open and to enjoy live streaming of the 2010 Australian Open.