Australian Open

What a disaster for our ante-post bets so far. Clijsters retired with a left hip injury during her semi-final in Brisbane this morning and then Federer pulled out of the Doha event at the semi-final stage. You may know that Federer has never retired during a top level match throughout his professional career. In addition he has only retired on one previous occasion from a tournament once it is in progress. So his back must be pretty bad.

At this stage both are hopeful of competing in the first grand slam but equally both are on the drift in the markets.

In the ladies' event we now have question marks over leading contenders Serena W and Kim C. In addition home hope Stosur lost tamely the other day to a player who had previously never won a set. So a speculative bet now in case the field should "cut up":

2pts win Li Na @ 20/1 with Paddy Power (NRNB)

The Chinese is a streak player and can get on a roll. Currently playing ok in the Hopman Cup, and, of course, was the beaten finalist last year.

In the men's event I think home hope Tomic is worth a speculative bet:

1pt ew Tomic @ 80/1 with 888.com (also available at Blue Square and Boyles)

Tomic plays Murray tomorrow and is unlikely to beat him. However if he does he will be 25s or 33s for the big one.

Total four points invested.