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French Open: Men’s Draw

Timothy Masters — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:59:38 +0000

For the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal the first week at Roland Garros is all about solidity and fitness as they focus more on their potential quarter- or semi-final opponents, but there are a few unseeded players who will be looking to give themselves a chance come next Sunday. After last season being dominated by one man the signs are good for the next few months, with Nadal and Djokovic taking wins off each other and some good play from those below them in the rankings.

If the opening seven days turn out to be a formality for the superstar players the longer matches are likely to be those between the less fancied player, both unseeded and the lower seeds. Potential quarter-finalists are mainly listed with BetFair at this stage, but the 19/10 on Tosnga to make it there looks fair, Richard Gasquet can also count on some home support at 57/20, and Nicolas Almagro is 57/20 to probably meet Rafa Nadal in the quarters.

Of course, the Spaniard is the king of clay, and most fans now recognise him as the greatest player ever to grace the red stuff. His draw, right at the other end to his Serbian nemesis, sees him take on Simone Bolelli of Italy in the first round, with Florian Meyer further down the road and Nicolas Almagro in the distance. SportingBet have him at 7/10 as winner, and Bet365 offer a measly 1/5 on Nadal getting to the final, so you can appreciate just how fancied he is from that.

At the top of the draw there is a match-up between Lleyton Hewitt and Djokovic, if they both make it through the first round that could be a good draw for the crowds, but it looks as though Fernando Verdasco will be the first big challenge he faces. At 8/13 with Bet365 to reach the final he is not as fancied as Nadal, and the 11/4 on him as winner with BetFred probably reflects the fact this is not his preferred surface. If the Serb can come away with the trophy he’ll have completed a Grand Slam of his own, and must be considered an all-time great.

David Ferrer, the sixth seed, is another Spaniard to watch and a 39/100 shot with BetFair to get into the quarters. From there is gets a bit more complicated, and it’s Bet365 who have 14’s on him making the final. Once there he is a 40/1 shot with PaddyPower to win the competition, but he does have the skill to trouble the likes of Djokovic and some of the more power-orientated players, even if the top men may have too much for him.

I’m sure a lot of domestic interest will focus on Andy Murray, at 12/1 with Bet365 for the final and 40/1 with BolyeSports as a winner not someone you’d call fancied, but the Scot actually spent quite a lot of his youth on clay courts in Spain, and the lack of immediate pressure in terms of the French press, who’ll focus on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles Simon (both 300/1 as winners with SportingBet) could work in his favour, up to a point.

That point will be Nadal, of course, and the one man who knows more about that than anyone else is Roger Federer. The former champion is 3/1 with Bet365 to reach the final, but 10/1 with StanJames as winner and that seems generous given his ability and record. A lot of questions will have been answered by this time next week, and the process of finding those answers should be fascinating.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

French Open: Men’s Draw

Maria Sharapova Profile

Sarah Connolly — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:59:06 +0000

Maria Sharapova is a professional Russian tennis player who seems to have been in and around the world of tennis for many years now. It may surprise many to know that she is still only 25-years-old.

Ever since winning Wimbledon in 2004, Sharapova has been a household name and one that is still at the front of people’s minds today. She has been ranked as World No.1 before too, while she is currently at No.2 in the world rankings.

There is no doubt that she has had an up and down career so far, but ever since turning professional in 2001 she has been on an incredible journey and it is one that she hopes to continue for many years to come.

Grand Slam History

As mentioned, Sharapova tasted success extremely early in her career when she won Wimbledon in 2004 at just 17-years-old. Defeating defending Champion Serena Williams in the final, she confirmed her name in the history books. It was a famous afternoon at SW19.

Since this victory, Sharapova has had to be patient for Grand Slam success. She won the US Open in 2006, proving many doubters wrong in the process. It was then 2008 by the time she picked up her third Grand Slam at the Australian Open.

This was the 25-year-old’s last Grand Slam title too, although she did make the final of Wimbledon in 2011 and the French Open semi-final earlier that year.

Chances of success

In the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, Sharapova looked extremely strong. She hadn’t dropped a set going into the final and it will still hurt her today that she lost Petra Kvitová in straight sets.

This should provide her with plenty of motivation to succeed this summer. Wimbledon will always hold a special place in her heart and she will not the 2004 title to be her only success in this famous tournament.

With the women’s draw wide open, Sharapova has a fantastic chance of success. 2012 has seen her suffer with an ankle injury, but there has also been a tournament win at the Italian Open. She is a massive contender for Wimbledon this year.

Odds

Looking at the odds for Sharapova to be successful, she is 7/1 for the win and is generally considered as the fourth favourite.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Maria Sharapova Profile

Serena Williams Profile

Sarah Connolly — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:25:30 +0000

Serena Williams is a professional American tennis player and someone who has been dominant in the women’s game for many years.

Despite injury setbacks over the years, Williams has been a powerhouse of the modern game and has been ranked as the No.1 player in the world on five separate occasions.

Currently at No.4 in the rankings, Williams has arguably had her best days, but she is still a major force to be reckoned with at Wimbledon this summer.

Grand Slam History

As already mentioned, Williams has been one of the most successful players of recent years. Winning 13 single Grand Slam titles, she has had some extremely memorable moments.

There are 14 other Grand Slam titles to her name too across women’s doubles and mixed doubles. It is fair to say that when it comes to the biggest stage, she turns on the style.

In terms of where the singles titles stand her in the all-time list, she is fourth behind Steffi Graf, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. This means she is in fantastic company and if it wasn’t for injuries, she would be further up the list.

Chances of success

Speaking of injuries, many believe it is the only thing that can stop Williams winning her fifth Wimbledon title this summer.

The 30-year-old has had back problems already in 2012, but she is convinced that it won’t affect her participation at SW19.

With this in mind, there is no doubt that Williams is a front runner. Nobody will want to face her in the early rounds and when it comes to the latter stages, you need the performance of your career to defeat the American.

Odds

The odds for Wimbledon this summer reflect this too. Williams is the current favourite for success at 2/1. She is, without doubt, the one to beat.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Serena Williams Profile

Petra Kvitova

Sarah Connolly — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:12:49 +0000

Petra Kvitova is a Czech tennis player who has been in and around the top players in the world for a couple of years now.

After announcing herself to the women’s game by defeating Venus Williams in 2008, she then made the fourth round of the French Open in the same year and there is no doubt many were discussing her potential.

In terms of the type of player Kvitova is, it is her powerful left handed shots and fantastic variety that have seen her sit at No.4 in the world rankings. The 22-year-old really is a difficult opponent to face and is set for a fantastic career.

Grand Slam History

A couple of years on from showing her undoubted potential, Kvitova stepped things up a notch by reaching the semi-finals of Wimbledon in 2010. Impressing many along the way, she eventually lost to the powerful Serena Williams and missed out on a place in the final.

Not to be detoured though, Kvitova showed her determination to succeed in a Grand Slam by coming back to Wimbledon the following year and going all of the way.

Becoming the first left-hander to win at SW19 since 1990, Kvitova showed excellent power for a player of her age and there is no doubt that she won plenty of fans during the straight sets victory over Maria Sharapova in the final.

Proving she is not only at home on grass, Kvitova started 2012 positively by reaching the semi-final of the Australian Open.

Chances of success

With regards to Kvitova’s chances of success at Wimbledon this year, she is clearly a major contender. Anyone coming into the tournament as the reigning Champion will be determined to defend their title and this Czech youngster is no different.
Grass is a surface she enjoys too, managing plenty of power in her shots as well as the invaluable attribute of having a variety to her approach. Her form in 2012 so far has been up and down, but the All England Lawn Tennis Club is where she will be hoping to raise her game.

Odds

In terms of the betting for Kvitova to be successful, you can get odds of around 4/1 for her to retain the title. She is considered as the third favourite with most bookies, behind Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Petra Kvitova

Victoria Azarenka Profile

Sarah Connolly — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:59:49 +0000

Currently ranked as the No.1 tennis player in the world, Victoria Azarenka is a Belarusian Tennis player leading the way in the women’s game.

At just 22-years-old, she has achieved great success and could potentially dominate for years to come. She certainly has time on her side and after bursting onto the scene in 2007 at the US Open, she is now back in form and the player to beat in 2012.

Grand Slam History

As mentioned, Azarenka enjoyed Grand Slam success at a very young age. Not in terms of tournament wins, but in terms of causing upsets against some of the best players around at the time.

At the 2007 US Open, she upset Martina Hingis in the third round and thus announced herself into the world of tennis. A quarter-final finish at the French Open followed in 2009, before a Wimbledon semi-final in 2011.

Impressing on all surfaces, Azarenka then secured her first Grand Slam title earlier this year, winning the Australian Open after several fantastic performances. The win included semi-final and final victories over Kim Clijsters and Maria Sharapova respectively.

Chances of success

In terms of her chances of success at Wimbledon, there are definitely many that expect this to be her year. After reaching the semi-finals last year – eventually being beaten by 2011 Champion Petra Kvitová in three sets – Azarenka will now consider herself stronger than ever.

Having shown some great form in 2012, and not only at the Australian Open, the 22-year-old will be in determined mood to justify her World No.1 ranking in front of the passionate English crowd.

She has had a shoulder problem at times this year, but it is hoped that this will hold off and Azarenka will be able to show everyone what she can do on the biggest stage of all.

Odds

With regards to the odds for Azarenka to become the 2012 Wimbledon Champion, she is currently available at 4/1. She is seen as the second favourite for success behind Wimbledon legend Serena Williams.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Victoria Azarenka Profile

Bet In-Play on the French Open with bet365!

Bet123 — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:16:05 +0000

bet365 serves up a real treat for Tennis fans with the chance to bet as the action unfolds during the eagerly anticipated French Open.

There is a vast array of In-Play markets available throughout the fortnight including Point Betting, Next Game, Current Set Winner and Match Winner plus many more.

This means that you will be able to bet on all of the drama and excitement from Roland Garros as the world’s top players compete for the second Grand Slam of the year.

This prestigious tournament never fails to deliver when it comes to producing high quality clay-court tennis and you can now place your bets on the man and woman you think will reign supreme in the French capital with bet365’s To Win Outright markets.

There are always fantastic opportunities to bet on a wide range of superb sporting events from across the globe with bet365.

About bet365

bet365 is one of the world’s largest online gambling groups with over seven million customers worldwide. bet365 offers a Sports Betting experience that’s unrivalled. The Group employs over 1,700 people and is the UK’s seventh largest private company.

At the iGaming Business Affiliate Awards 2012, bet365 won Best Overall Affiliate Programme, Best Sportsbook Affiliate Programme, Best Overall Affiliate Manager and Best Sportsbook Affiliate Manager, following on from similar success at the 2011 ceremony.

In the 2011 eGaming Review Awards, bet365 was named In-Play Sports Operator of the Year and Sports Betting Operator of the Year. In both 2010 and 2011, bet365 came top in eGaming Review’s Annual Power 50.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Bet In-Play on the French Open with bet365!

Rafael Nadal Profile ahead of Wimbledon

Bet123 — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:10:07 +0000

Rafael Nadal is a professional Spanish tennis player and one of the most powerful to have ever played the game. There is no doubt that his ability will be talked about for years to come and it is hard to believe that he is still only 25-years-old.

Since turning professional in 2001, tennis fans across the world have loved every second of watching him play. At times he has been dominate, other times he has been frustrated and many times he has had to fight with his back against the wall.

Nadal will always give his all though and this, combined with his immense power and natural ability, make him the cult hero he is today.

Grand Slam History

When you think about Nadal and his Grand Slam success so far, you immediately turn your attention to the French Open. At the time of writing the Spaniard has won the title at Roland Garros on six occasions, making him the ‘King of Clay’.

Away from France, Nadal has two Wimbledon titles and one victory apiece at the US Open and Australian Open. He is therefore one of a select few players to have enjoyed success at all four major tournaments.

Chances of success

Nadal may have dropped to No.3 in the World Rankings recently, but this takes nothing away from his chances of success at Wimbledon this year. It simply highlights how competitive the men’s game is at the moment.

It is this competitive edge that gives Nadal extra motivation to succeed too. He is not the type of player you should write off and as the reigning Champion at Wimbledon, he is one of the leading contenders to succeed at SW19 in 2012.

Rafael Nadal Odds

In terms of his odds to secure back to back Wimbledon titles, Nadal is available at 4/1 with most bookies and is considered as the second favourite behind World No.1 Novak Djokovic.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Rafael Nadal Profile ahead of Wimbledon

Roger Federer Profile

Bet123 — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:11:59 +0000

Roger Federer is a 30-year-old Swiss professional Tennis player and without doubt one of the greatest players to have ever played the game.

During his peak, Federer was the World No.1 for a record 237 weeks and this highlights his dominance on the men’s game during that time. Speaking of records, he has won more Grand Slams than anybody in the history of tennis with 16 major victories to his name.

Since the emergence of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Federer has remained extremely competitive and ranked No.2 in the world, he is in a fantastic place going into this British summer.

Grand Slam History

As mentioned, Federer is the Grand Slam king. Since winning the Australian Open in 2004, he has an incredible record in the major tennis competitions.

The French Open – which had been dominated by Nadal – looked set to be the one Grand Slam that Federer missed out on, but victory in the 2009 tournament at Rolland Garros ensured he was one of only three players to capture a career Grand Slam on three different surfaces.

Federer’s most recent Grand Slam victory was the Australian Open in 2010 and there is no doubt that he would like to win the others – French Open, Wimbledon and US Open – at least once more before he retires.

Chances of success

Referring specifically to his chances at Wimbledon, there is no way he could be ruled out. Many will say that he has had his day, but Centre Court is his second home.

With six Wimbledon titles to his name, he is an extremely respected man around SW19 and one that is feared by his opponents. Making things look incredibly easy in the opening rounds, Federer is known for going through the gears and turning on the style when it counts.

Odds

If you fancy him to do just that, you can get odds of 4/1 for Federer to win his seventh Wimbledon. Considering the form he has shown in 2012 so far, this wouldn’t be the worst decision you have ever made.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Roger Federer Profile

Novak Djokovic Profile

Bet123 — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:10:28 +0000

Novak Djokovic is a Serbian tennis player who has achieved an incredible amount in his career considering his relatively young age of 24.

Currently ranked as No.1 in the world, Djokovic’s best year so far was 2011 and in 2012 he is aiming to emulate this success. A passionate character, he is someone that loves every second of being a professional tennis player and fans all over the world enjoy watching him too.

Grand Slam History

During his career so far, Djokovic has won five Grand Slam titles with three of these – Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open – coming in what was an unbelievable 2011 for him.

This means that, at the time of writing, the only major tournament to evade him is the French Open. Given his talent, enthusiasm and age though, it is surely only a matter of time before Djokovic succeeds at Roland Garros.

Breaking records regularly since being fast tracked to the top of the men’s game, Djokovic is the youngest player to reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam. Then, there is the small matter of being the first Serbian to win a Major singles title.

Overall, Djokovic is a fantastic tennis player and one that turns it on in the biggest events of all. Roger Federer’s Grand Slam record is in danger from this man, no doubt about it.

Chances of success

All of the above means that he has a fantastic chance of winning Wimbledon this year. As the reigning Champion, he will go into the tournament under pressure, but confident.

As ever, a lot could depend on whether he saves his best form for the potential semi-final and final match ups against the likes of SW19 king Federer, World No.2 Rafael Nadal or home favourite Andy Murray.

The 24-year-old will be hoping to show his class in the open rounds, get the crowd on his side and then produce some famous Grand Slam magic in the latter stages.

Novak Djokovic Odds

Looking at the betting for Wimbledon this year, Djokovic is the favourite at 7/4 to secure his second consecutive title. For many, many reasons, he is the man to beat.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Novak Djokovic Profile

Andy Murray Wimbledon Chances

Bet123 — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:17:52 +0000

Andy Murray is 24-years-old and the British No.1 for men’s tennis. Born in Scotland, he has been flying the flag for British tennis since breaking into top ten of the World rankings back in April 2007.

The Scotsman is without doubt the best hope for British success at Wimbledon this year and will be passionately backed by the crowd from the very first round. He is currently ranked No.4 in the World rankings.

Grand Slam History

It has been a common phrase when discussing Andy Murray’s Grand Slam chances that he ‘will definitely win one eventually’. This is never going to be satisfying for the British No.1 though and he will not rest until he has Grand Slam success.

Murray has come close on a number of occasions of course, finishing as runner-up in three Grand Slam finals. This includes the 2008 US Open Final, the 2010 Australian Open and a year later in the same tournament.

As far as Wimbledon is concerned, Murray has reached the semi-final on three occasions – 2009, 2010 and 2011. He will be aiming to go one better this year before securing a famous British win in the final.

Chances of success

There is no doubt that Murray is one of the leading contenders for Wimbledon this year. Not only is he amongst the elite of men’s tennis – a group that includes Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal – but he has the amazing British crowd behind him.
Murray suits playing on grass too and he often grows as the tournament progresses. As ever, it will depend on whether he can beat two big guns in succession across the semi-final and final.

Odds

Looking at the odds for Andy Murray to win the 2012 Wimbledon title, you can currently back him at 13/2, making him the fourth favourite behind Djokovic, Nadal and Federer.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Andy Murray Wimbledon Chances