Sports Betting News – Tennis & Football

Tennis Murray staying grounded

British number one Andy Murray has admitted he still has plenty of work to do, if he is to claim the Australian Open title this weekend. The number three seed, who is 11/4 with to win the Grand Slam event in Melbourne, must get past Roger Federer in the semi-finals on Friday if he is to meet Novak Djokovic in the showpiece final Down Under.

Murray knows the challenges that lie ahead and believes he will have to be at his best to claim the second Grand Slam title of his career. The Scot said: “I probably feel a little bit calmer than usual. But I still have an understanding of how difficult it is to win these events. With the players that are still left in the tournament, it’s going to be a very tough few days if I want to do that.”

Tennis –Sharapova scalp pleases Li

Li Na produced her best tennis of the Australian Open so far, to see off Maria Sharapova in straight sets and the Chinese star is now looking forward to her final clash with Victoria Azarenka. Sharapova was in formidable form going into the semi-final encounter but was convincingly beaten by Li, 6-2 6-2 on Thursday. The 30-year-old admitted she was delighted with the win over the Russian. She is now preparing for her clash with Azarenka and is 13/10 to beat the Belarusian on Saturday. Li said: “I always play well here. “I’m really hungry for the title. I think this time should be maybe a different story or maybe the same story. But I will try.”

Soccer –Evans close to comeback

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is hoping to compete for a starting role in their FA Cup clash with Fulham on Saturday, having recovered from a hamstring strain. The 25-year-old Northern Ireland international has missed United’s last three games but is in contention to play against the Cottagers in the FA Cup, which the Red Devils are 4/1 to win this season. Evans is hoping to push centre-backs Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, for a place in the starting XI on Saturday. He said: “When I first came into the squad, the level Rio and Vida were playing at was unbelievable. It’s all about having patience. I’m older, more experienced and more confident, so I just relax more.”