The world number one looked imperious last week in Indian Wells, and is the clear favourite to sweep up the Miami field at 4/5
Outright – Novak Djokovic – 4/5
With a relatively easy route to the final, struggling peers, and a slow Laykold surface to play on, Djokovic almost looks a dead certainty to win the Miami Masters for a fifth time this week.
A champion in Australia and Indian Wells already in 2015, Djokovic looks back to his dominant best after some hard court struggles last year.
With 21 Masters 1000 titles to his name, at just 27 years of age, Novak will have his eyes set on Nadal’s current Masters record of 27.
He can get one step closer with a stroll to the title this week, and whilst his price isn’t particularly lucrative at 4/5, it is absolutely worth backing.
Best of the rest – David Ferrer – 40/1
Nicknamed the “nearly man,” David Ferrer has become notorious for falling at the final hurdle of major events.
This year has proved different however, as the Spaniard leads the tour in titles won (3) and has already convincingly beaten the likes of Berdych and Nishikori.
A clay court specialist at heart, Ferrer will strive in the hot, slow conditions in Miami, and came the width of a line away from winning this tournament two years ago.
40/1 is a massive price, and represents excellent each way value.
Bad bet – Andy Murray – 11/2
After a positive start to the season in Australia, Murray’s 2014 miseries have continued in 2015.
Disappointing defeats in Rotterdam, and Dubai were followed by a 6-2 6-3 thrashing against Djokovic in Indian Wells last week.
The rout marked Murray’s sixth defeat in a row to the Serb, and if the two were to face off in this week’s final, Murray’s mental block against the world number one may prove decisive.
To reach the final Murray will likely have to go through Wawrinka, who he has lost the last two meetings with, and Nadal, who is 15-5 against the Scot in their head to head record.
Murray has not looked the same player since his Wimbledon victory in 2013, and a win in Miami this week would be a major shock.
1st round value – Vasek Pospisil to beat Juan Martin Del Potro – Evens
Del Potro’s return to the tour is one of the week’s major headlines, but punters should bet with their head not heart, and back against a fairytale return.
His first round opponent, Vasek Pospisil, is a very accomplished player.
He has played well in 2015, reaching the third round of Australia and has already downed the likes of Kohlscrieber, Querrey and Seppi in this year’s campaign.
Boosted by a doubles victory in Indian Wells last week, the Canadian should show no mercy against Del Potro.
Juan will almost certainly struggle for fitness in the searing heat of Miami, and should be opposed, at evens, whilst the price still lasts.
