Australian Open preview and odds: Serena Williams vs Angelique Kerber

Published on: 29/01/2016

Australian Open preview and odds: Serena Williams vs Angelique Kerber

January 30, 2016 - Rod Laver Arena

Australian Open - Women`s Final

Grand Slam No. 22 now beckons for Serena Williams after she brushed aside the challenge of Agnieszka Radwanska in Thursday`s semi-final match. Hoping to stop her in her tracks will be Angelique Kerber who came through a tough semi-final against rising star Johanna Konta.

No sign of Williams decline

At an age when most players are winding down their careers, Serena Williams is at the peak of her game. The World No. 1 has not dropped a single set on her way to yet another Australian Open final, and has now gone unbeaten in 13 games in this event.

Her latest masterclass in domination came against World No. 4 Agnieszka Radwanska on Thursday. Once again, the American made light work of her opponent, cruising to a 6-0 6-4 victory.

Serena holds a 5-1 record against her next adversary, Angelique Kerber - however, this will be their first meeting on the hard courts of Melbourne.

With 88% of her first serve points won, 88% of her net points won, 83% of her break points won and 56% of her return points won in her semi-final match - Williams is excelling on every department.

Key stats from Williams` fourth round match:

- First serve success: 63%

- Points won on first serve: 88%

- Points won on second serve: 47%

- Net points won: 88%

- Unforced errors: 17

- Returns won: 56%

- Break points won: 5 out of 6

The ultimate test for Kerber

Angelique Kerber finally made it to her first Grand Slam final after two previous semi-final appearances. She will now attempt to become the first German player since Steffi Graf (1994) to claim victory at the Melbourne showpiece event.

The World No. 6 had to overcome the tough challenge of British hot-shot Johanna Konta in the semi-finals. But after a tense encounter, she prevailed in two sets, with a 7-5 6-2 score-line. Kerber will be under no illusion about the task ahead, but she may be buoyed by the fact that she has beaten Serena once before, in the 2012 Cincinnati quarter-finals.

Key stats from Kerber`s fourth round match:

- First serve success: 54%

- Points won on first serve: 64%

- Points won on second serve: 68%

- Net points won: 83%

- Unforced errors: 11

- Returns won: 48%

- Break points won: 5 out of 12

Betting odds and tips

Kerber has yet to face a top 10 opponent in this tournament, with 14th-ranked Azarenka her most significant opponent yet. As a result, she has not had to perform at the kind of level that will be required on Saturday. In reality, she will need to play the game of her life, or hope that Williams has a very off day, to stand a chance of claiming her first Grand Slam crown.

Serena Williams -6 Games Handicap can be backed at 11/8 with Bet365

By Neil Morris

Published on: 29/01/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (29/01/2016 11:55:06) but are subject to change.