The 2019 US Open, which officially got underway this week, has enjoyed increased engagement among sports bettors, according to Oddschecker. The firm revealed that compared to last year, engagement has increased by 9% across both tournaments.
Moreover, this year sees significantly more interest in the Women’s Open than the Men’s, with 28% more bets being placed on the likes of Serena Williams, Simona Halep and Ashleigh Barty.
The increased engagement on the women’s tournament has led to some intriguing betting lines, with +2500 shot Sofia Kenin currently taking the mantle as the best-backed to win the Open with a whopping 15% of the market. Surprisingly, it is Amanda Anisimova who finds herself second with 11%, despite being a +4000 long shot. Only then do Halep, Naomi Osaka and Williams appear, with 9%, 8% and 7% respectively.
Daniil Medvedev’s price has seen the largest change – unsurprising given his heavy backing over the last fortnight – having gone from +10000 at the start of the month to as short as +1200.
Despite dramatic market movement, both Novak Djokovic and Williams have remained as the favorites in their respective competitions. Djokovic heads into the tournament as a heavy +125 frontrunner, nearly three times as likely as nearest challenger Rafael Nadal at +430 and well ahead of old foe Roger Federer at +750.
Williams edges out Halep as the books’ favourite with a price of +500, in spite of being 8th in the world rankings. Halep can be backed at +750, while Naomi Osaka looks good value as a +1200 fourth-favorite, despite currently topping the WTA standings.
Oddschecker spokesperson Pete Watt commented: “Grand Slams always prove popular with bettors and this year has been no different, with bets on the market coming on a huge variety of different players.
“In what could be his last trip to Flushing Meadows, Federer has been disregarded by punters and accounts for even less bets than 50/1 Kei Nishikori. Whilst this may be a combination of his relatively short price and the hard court surface, write off the GOAT at your peril!
“Serena could also be making her final bow at her home Grand Slam, but the closeness in terms of price and activity on the market suggests that this will not be easy. She’s done it before – six times in fact – in New York and will no doubt be relying on the experience of winning to get her over the line.”