Can anybody stop Novak Djokovic? That is the question that punters must answer before placing their bets on Wimbledon 2016.
The Serb clinched his first French Open title to complete the ‘career slam’ in June, and that was his twelfth major win in total. He is surely the greatest player to ever pick up a racquet, and at odds-on clearly the bookmakers are on his side once again.
Wimbledon Betting Tips
If anybody can stop Djokovic, then surely it is Andy Murray. He comes to SW19 on the back of the finest clay court swing of his career, and has the added distinction of winning both of his matches on grass against his nemesis in the final of Wimbledon in 2013 and he Olympic Games a year prior.
Many pundits point to the head-to-head record of the pair as a way of separating the old enemies, and true a 24-10 run in Djokovic’s favour is of relevance; as is the fact that he leads 13-2 in all matches played since 2014 to the present day. That cannot be overlooked.
But hey, Murray has won both of their matches on grass as mentioned, and that is crucial. Since becoming a father for the first time his game has improved, as evidenced by his improvement on his hated clay court, and so he comes to Wimbledon in arguably the best shape of his career. At 7/2 with SkyBet – as opposed to Djokovic’s 5/6 with Paddy Power – the Scot represents the value in the market.
Wimbledon Dark Horses
There are a number of other contenders who are worthy of consideration, but each has their flaws.
Roger Federer is still working his way back to full fitness following a variety of injuries, and since his return he is yet to reach an ATP Tour final in four attempts. That said, two Grand Slam finals in 2015 are indicative of what he is capable of, but at 34 can the Swiss ace still compete for a full fortnight? The jury is out on that, and so his price of 16/1 with BetVictor lacks appeal.
Stan Wawrinka remains an unpredictable force, despite being a two-time major winner, and so he is another to avoid. Nick Kyrgios, sworn enemy of Wawrinka, boats bags of talents but does he have the temperament to last a fortnight of Grand Slam action without blowing his top and tanking? Perhaps not. Meanwhile, slightly further down the pecking order Dominic Thiem, whose recent run reads QF-F-SF-F-SF, looks very generous at 50/1 with Betfair.
But of the dark horses it is the big-serving Milos Raonic who really catches the eye at 20/1 with 888sport. His game appears purpose built for grass with that booming serve and flat groundstrokes, and while a mixed injury record is of concern his ability to win on the green stuff – he’s won 13 of his last 17 matches on the surface – is clearly of interest. The employment of John McEnroe, a three-time Wimbledon winner, is a canny move too.
Recommend Bets
Andy Murray @ 7/2 with Sky Bet
Milos Raonic @ 20/1 with 888 Sport
