Finding the value with the world number 1.
Serena Williams is the current holder of the Australian Open title and the Wimbledon title. She is also the reigning world champion and top ranked player on the WTA tour. Here are her odds to win each of the four Grand Slams in 2010:
Australian Open, +300 (3/1), Ladbrokes
French Open, +700 (7/1), Boylesports
Wimbledon, +250 (5/2), Paddy Power
US Open, +300 (3/1), Paddy Power
The French Open has the longest odds because she has only won their one time and that was back in 2002. With Justine Henin in the field and with no information yet on whether or not her comeback will be successful it is hard to assess the value on Serena's odds for Roland Garros but she seems very unlikely to win the event, even more unlikely than the implied probability of 7 to 1 odds.
Williams' odds at Wimbledon are too short this far away and so is her price for the US Open. It's not that she can't be expected to challenge for either of those titles, but lots could happen between now the summer of 2010. It would not be surprising if Serena's odds were basically the same as they are now in the weeks leading up to the events so there is no need to bet her this far out.
The best value with Williams is at the Australian Open. Barring the unforeseeable she is going to be the number 1 seed there and she has won 4 of the last 7 Aussies as well. Her price of +300 (3/1) with Ladbrokes might be as long as her odds get as the favorites usually get pounded as the event, which takes place in January, approaches.
Our recommendation for Williams at this time is to take her price with Ladbrokes for the 2010 Australian Open.
Go to Ladbrokes to bet on Australian Open futures.