Hewitt bows out of tennis as WilliamHill punters cash in

TENNIS’S little Aussie battler Lleyton Hewitt has called time on his superb career after going down to eighth seed

But patriotic punters still would have cashed in on the Aussie hero if they backed him in the tournament after he banged 10 aces against James Duckworth in round one, returning $10 for punters who wagered $20 or more on him under WilliamHill.com.au’s stunning Chase the Ace promotion.

All punters have to do with Chase the Ace is place a head to head bet of $20 or more on a player and win lose or draw, punters will get $1 for every ace their player hits.

After day five, there have been over 3000 aces hit across the tournament, 2318 by the men and 731 by the women.

Hewitt only managed two aces against Ferrer in the straight sets loss, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4, but he was a winner with fans across the country.

“I gave everything I have, like always, and left nothing in the locker room and that is something I can always be proud of,” Hewitt said after the match.

“My whole career I have given 100 per cent.

“I love coming out here and competing.

“It is never hard to come out here and play in front of such great spectators.

“It is always like a second home for me at Rod Laver Arena.

“I am fortunate to keep having this opportunity 20 years in a row.”

Hewitt was once a polarising figure in Aussie tennis, but the poor behaviour of the likes of Nick Kyrgios seems to have enhanced his standing in the tennis community.

With Kyrgios continually alienating the crowds with his bizarre behaviour, Hewitt is being held up as a role model, despite some indifferent behaviour of his own throughout his career.

Like Lleyton, Kyrgios bowed out in the third round to Tomas Berdych, but instead of being hailed with a standing ovation, the Rod Laver Arena crowd turned on the youngster.

In bizarre scenes during his four set loss to Berdych, 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 6-4, losing his marbles after hearing music playing in the crowd.

Kyrgios’ voice broke as he screamed at the chair umpire “There is music, playing in the crowd, while we are playing.”

The crowd was having none of it: “Get on with it Nick”, “shut up Nick”, “get a tissue Nick”, attendees shouted at him.

Kyrgios had been crunched in to $31 for the title, but his performance against Berdych is another set back for the petulant youngster, who needs to do plenty of growing up before he will ever challenge the regal talents of the likes of Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer.

The Djoker is the $1.57 favourite with CrownBet.com.au to take out his sixth Australian Open, with Andy Murray the $6.50 second favourite.

They are the only two men under $10, with Federer next best at $10, just ahead of compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka at $11. No one else is in the market.

In the women’s division, world number one Serena Williams is under $3 for the first time in the open, now a $2.80 favourite to win Aus Open title number seven.

Victoria Azarenka is snapping at her heels at $350, while Garbine Muguruza is $9. Outside of that trio, Agnieszka Radwanska is $11 and Maria Sharapova is $13 and that’s about where the challengers end.

Australian Open men’s winner tournament odds

Novak Djokovic ($1.57)
Andy Murray ($6.50)
Roger Federer ($10)
Stan Wawrinka ($11)
Milos Raonic ($34)
Kei Nishikori ($41)
Tomas Berdych ($51)
Bernard Tomic ($101)

*Odds provided by CrownBet.com.au

Australian Open women’s winner tournament odds

Serena Williams ($2.80)
Victoria Azarenka ($3.50)
Garbine Muguruza ($9)
Agnieszka Radwanska ($11)
Maria Sharapova ($13)
Belinda Bencic ($21)
Angelique Kerber ($29)
Karolina Pliskova ($29)
Ekatarina Makarova ($34)
Madison Keys ($34)
Daria Gavrilova ($67)
Johanna Konta ($67)
Ana Ivanovic ($81)

*Odds provided by CrownBet.com.au

What will Bruce say next?

Enough of the serious stuff, the mischievous mob at sportsbet.com.au has joined in the ridicule of Bruce McAvaney after his cringeworthy sign off to Hewitt after his post match retirement interview.

The Channel Seven sports commentator copped some criticism after closing the interview by saying “More home than away for Lleyton now with Bec” in a reference to wife Bec Hewitt’s stint on the long running soap.

Spokesman Ben Bulmer said the bookie was wondering what the legendary commentator will roll off the tongue next.

“X Factor is the $4 favourite for McAvaney to pun in an interview, just ahead of My Kitchen Rules $5,” Bulmer said.

“McAvaney’s next awkward comment could happen during the Australian Open.

“Another target could be the hair style of Nick Kyrgios ($7.50) or $34 is available for Victoria Azarenka’s in-play groaning.

“He is also $11 to win a Logie and $101 to do stand-up on Australia’s Got Talent before 2018.

“Bruce is a legend and we love his witty comments.

“He may not have a career in stand-up, but he’s the king of puns and we hope he keeps churning them out.”

Bruce McAvaney Futures

Bruce McAvaney to win a Logie award in 2016 ($11)
Bruce McAvaney to do stand up on Australia’s Got Talent before 2018 ($101)
Bruce McAvaney to do a stand-up comedy tour before 2017 ($101)
Bruce McAvaney to have a casting role on Home and Away before 2018 ($101)

Next program that Bruce puns in an interview

X Factor ($4)
My Kitchen Rules ($5)
800 Words ($6)
Molly ($7)
Sunrise ($7.50)
Packed to the Rafters ($9)
The Chase ($11)
First Dates ($14)
Always Greener ($16)
Harry’s Practice ($16)
Storage Wars ($16)

What Awkward Comment will Bruce make next in an on-court interview?

Nick Kyrgios’ terrible haircuts ($7.50)
Caroline Wozniacki’s third new boyfriend in two years ($21)
Novak Djokovic’s arrogance ($21)
Victoria Azarenka’s in-play groaning ($34)
Bernard Tomic’s Miami incident ($51)
Roger Federer’s angry wife ($101)
Stan Wawrinka’s Girlfriend ($101)

*All odds provided by Sportsbet.com.au