The Miami Open is the last big hard-court tournament before the tennis season hits the clay.

And for the top players in the men’s and women’s singles draw this is a big chance to earn a major title and claim significant ranking points.

Tennis betting on the Miami Open is already well underway, with Novak Djokovic the heavy favourite in the men’s singles draw.

But last week’s displays at Indian Wells show there is little point betting on the favourite right now!

Indeed, the women’s singles draw may be a better option if you’re seeking the best tennis odds when betting on the Miami Open. And that’s because there is no clear favourite for that title.

Here are four tennis betting specials available in the online gambling community…

Zverev Leads Outsider Race

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are the two clear favourites to win the men’s singles title at the Miami Open.

Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from injury seemingly only helps the pair’s cause. And it’s understandable why many tennis bettors are backing either Djokovic or Federer.

Djokovic was an early exit at Indian Wells and rued his mistakes in his defeat to Philipp Kohlschreiber. The Serb is fit and fresh for this tournament and that is worrying for the rest of the field.

Federer, meanwhile, reached the final of Indian Wells before losing from a set up against Dominic Thiem.

That was a surprise defeat for Federer and he will be targeting a 101st ATP Tour title in Florida here, knowing he will tone down his commitments over the clay season.

But at 5/4 and 9/2 respectively, it’s not really worth backing either Djokovic or Federer to win the Miami Open.

Instead, look to the 11/1 on Alexander Zverev to come to the fore here.

Zverev is part of the new breed of young men’s singles players looking to dethrone the Old Guard.

Now, Zverev was an early exit at Indian Wells last week but did reach the Mexico Open final last month. The German is seeded second here and has a very favourable draw, so it worth considering.

Winning Half of Men’s Draw

Bookmakers have a great price of 10/19 on the men’s singles Miami Open champion coming from the top half of the draw! And that includes favourite and No 1 seed Djokovic, as well as Indian Wells champion Thiem.

It’s difficult to predict the winning half of a tennis draw but the hop half here certainly possession quality.

Nick Kyrgios may be seeded 27th but is back on top form following his Acapulco win. Fifth seed Kei Nishikori is a hard-court expert, while John Isner — all 6ft 10in of him — is targeting his title defence here.

Milos Raonic, who made the Indian Wells semi-finals last week, is also in the top half of the draw. Raonic was once tipped as the next Roger Federer and, while that progression has not exactly come about, the Canadian is still a formidable player.

Raonic is 12/1 to win the Miami Open.

WTA Finalists

It would take a shrewd tennis betting fan to predict who will win the Miami Open women’s singles title this year.

With Serena Williams off the pace, Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova are expected to shine. Yet Indian Wells last week was won by a wildcard Bianca Andreescu!

The women’s game is brilliantly competitive right now and that makes for fun tennis.

It also increases the odds of top seeds winning their matches, because there is increased jeopardy in them possibly crashing out of tournaments.

This week Osaka is the 10/1 second favourite to win the Miami Open with MoPlay, while Serena Williams remains the 6/1 joint-favourite.

Do not back Serena. Her price is just too short considering her form. The veteran is more likely to peak in the summer at Wimbledon.

Instead, back second-seed Halep to reach the final at 19/5.

Halep’s biggest danger on the way to the final is move likely Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina (27/4 to make the final). She should dump out Williams - unless the American is out by the fourth round already - and is a good outside bet to win the whole tournament.

Angelique Kerber - the defeated Indian Wells finalist last weekend - is 24/5 to reach the final but will likely face Osaka in the semis in Florida. There are better bets out there.