Bodog Beat

Novak Djokovic entered Melbourne with Australian Open odds of 8/1 to win it all. (AI Wire photo)

American voters aren’t the only ones who want change. The tennis media are itching for it. None of them may say so, but they’re tired of seeing Roger Federer win and win and win. That’s why Novak Djokovic is receiving so much attention from reporters, fans and tennis bettors.

The 20-year-old Serbian shot up to No. 3 in the world last year and aims to go higher, beginning with the Australian Open. He lost to Federer in the U.S. Open final, but it beat watching the Swiss star topple either Rafael Nadal or Andy Roddick for the umpteenth time.

Djokovic opened play at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Tuesday in Australia with a convincing victory over Benjamin Becker, 6-0, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5). The first-round win didn’t pay much for Djokovic supporters. He was favored at -2500 on the moneyline (meaning a winning tennis bet of $2,500 was required to earn just $100). But with Australian Open odds of 8/1 to win it all, the personable Djokovic still presents long-term value.

Federer was scheduled to take the court at approximately 5:30 a.m. ET.

The other top men’s seeds who did play Tuesday also advanced in straight sets, including No. 5 David Ferrer and No. 10 David Nalbandian. (Australian Open match betting for men's play.)

On the women’s side, No. 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova swept to victory, as did No. 9 Daniela Hantuchova. No. 6 Anna Chakvedatze advanced when her opponent retired.

No. 8 Venus Williams was scheduled to play at 3:30 a.m. ET. She holds tennis odds of -5000 on the moneyline to beat Zi Yan. (Australian Open match betting for women's play.)

For Monday's men’s results and women’s results, check the Beat’s earlier reports, and get a 2008 Australian Open preview in Bodog Nation, the popular online magazine.