The warm up events are over, the champagne is on ice and the strawberries have all been picked which can only mean one thing, it’s time for Wimbledon to get underway.
There is always a huge sense of anticipation ahead of the only Grand Slam event to be held on grass but there’s a feeling that this year could be extra special in both the men’s and women’s draw. So, let’s have a look at both tournaments and see if we can find some value bets.
Wimbledon Men’s Tournament Outright Market
Roger Federer 9/4 (Paddy Power)
Rafael Nadal 9/2 (Bet365)
Novak Djokovic 6/1 (William Hill)
Andy Murray 6/1 (Ladbrokes)
Marin Cilic 18/1 (Coral)
Milos Raonic 18/1 (Ladbrokes)
Alexander Zverev 28/1 (William Hill)
Nick Kyrgios 33/1 (Paddy Power)
There are no surprises in the top four of the betting for the men’s tournament. Lleyton Hewitt’s Wimbledon triumph in 2002 is the last time that the trophy was won by anybody other than Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray. The bookies’ odds show that they believe the title will likely go to one of those four again and it’s hard to disagree.
Roger Federer is the clear favourite for the title despite being 35 now. The Swiss knows that his body cannot cope with the demands of 10 or even five years ago which is why he decided to skip the French Open this year to prioritise the truncated grass court season. Federer lost his first grass court match in Stuttgart against Tommy Haas but he was back to his best when winning the title at Halle for the ninth time.
Federer’s legion of fans are confident about his chances of winning yet another Wimbledon title but with such levels of competition 9/4 doesn’t really look like value.
Novak Djokovic fans will believe that the Serb represents very good value at 6/1 with William Hill. There’s no doubt that the three-time Wimbledon champion has suffered something of a crisis of confidence recently but if he is able to take the form he showed at Eastbourne to SW19 he will be a danger for sure.
For many people, the biggest danger to Federer is Andy Murray. The world number one struggled for his best tennis in recent months but he looked very good at Roland Garros before running into an inspired Stan Wawrinka. Murray is the defending champion but his shock first round exit at Queen’s Club and injury concerns have dogged his preparations for Wimbledon which has seen his price lengthen considerably in the past week or so.
As Murray’s price has lengthened, so Rafael Nadal’s price has come in but the Spaniard still looks to represent good value at a biggest price of 9/2 with Bet365. Nadal’s lengthy battles with injury and a move away from his long-term coach have resulted in him being written off by some commentators but the tennis he played when winning the French Open without dropping a set was arguably the best of his career.
There are few dangers lurking in the early part of Nadal’s draw and if he gets up a head of steam he could be impossible to stop. So, back Nadal to win at that 9/2 but also try a bet on Andy Murray being eliminated in the semi-final at 13/8 with William Hill. Murray should make it to the latter stages but a potential semi with Nadal looks a step too far.
Rafael Nadal’s game looks good enough for a serious crack at a third Wimbledon title.
Wimbledon Women’s Tournament Outright Market
Petra Kvitova 5/1 (Paddy Power)
Karolina Pliskova 11/2 (Bet365)
Johanna Konta 12/1 (Paddy Power)
Garbine Muguruza 14/1 (Ladbrokes)
Venus Williams 16/1 (William Hill)
Jelena Ostapenko 18/1 (William Hill)
Angelique Kerber 20/1 (Coral)
Simona Halep 20/1 (Bet365)
The absence of Serena Williams from this year’s Wimbledon has opened the draw up consideration.The bookies, though, may well have called it right by making Petra Kvitova the favourite at a best price of 5/1 with Paddy Power.
The Czech superstar is fortunate to be playing tennis again after suffering nerve and tendon damage during a knife attack at home in December of last year. Thankfully she’s made a full recovery and has already won her first tournament since her return at Birmingham. As a two-time Wimbledon champion, Kvitova has bags of pedigree and her decision to pull out of Eastbourne is thought to be purely precautionary. 5/1 does look a good price about Kvitova’s chances.
Can Petra Kvitova add the 2017 Wimbledon title to her wins in 2011 and 2014?
You have to seriously respect the chances of players like Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep and Eastbourne winner, Karolina Pliskova seriously but the value each-way bet could well be Ashleigh Barty at 50/1 with Betfred. The 21-year-old looked strong when making it to the final in Birmingham and despite having only recently returned to tennis from professional cricket, she can surprise at a big price.
Betting Recommendations
Rafael Nadal to win the men’s tournament at 9/2 with Bet365
Andy Murray to be eliminated in the semi-final at 13/8 with William Hill
Petra Kvitova to win the women’s tournament at 5/1 with Paddy Power
