Wimbledon Guide

This year see's the first yar with the new roof and it will certainly have an impact. The grass this year at Wimbledon has been relaid again and is a different type of grass to take more heat from the enclosed roof, if it is needed. This grass is apparently slightly denser than the previous grass and should allow for the ball to zip through slightly quicker than last year. All in all the speed of the ball from a few tests that have been done is the equivelent to playing at Wimbledon about 4 years ago. Sadly its still no where near as quick as it was and the all rounder will still be able to over come to big serve and volleyer over the 5 course match.

The draw in the Mens is obviously weakened with Rafa dropping out and all the attention will be back on Federer especially after his French Open win. Fed's starting price is 10/11 (Sky and Tote) and is quite a generous price considering his record here. I dont really see Fed strugglig until the later rounds but over all I think he will make this Grand Slam win number 17. Its more fun trying to find some value down the line and get a good run for your money and for me this year there are a few that offer some great value.

Before I say who they are I suppose I should mention Murray. Personally I dont see him winning this; yes all the English will be behind him and he has played well in the AEGOn champs but I dont see him beating a few of the top guys on grass. Seeing as he is 3/1, I can only see patriotic money going on him and I shall be laying to 3/1 available on betfair.

The main guy to probably gain from Nadal withdraw is Juan Martin Del Potro. He has been moved up the seeds and has a great draw. He should have a very easy opener against Arnaud Clement and looking further down the draw he could meet Andy Roddick in the 1/4's and then Murray in the Semi's. Personally I really think he can beat Murray. Del Potro's long drawn back forehand can be flattened out and he has added the Volley to his game in recent months and his extended reach could turn him into a great player at Wimbledon. He is currently ranked 5 in the World and clearly has a great game. He is currently available at 28/1 on betfair and seems a cracking price to me.

Mens :

Federer @ 10/11 - 5 Points Win
Del Potro @ 28/1 - 2 Points
Lay Murray @ 3/1 - 2 Points

The Womens comp could be a mine field for backers. The Women at the moment dont have a clear number one and I think every major will be won by a different player. At Wimbledon the Williams clearly have to be up there with the big contenders but Wimbledon normally throws up a surprise with an unseeded, or late seeded player having a great run. Safina has a good draw but again her mentalilty for choking at Grand Slams comes into question. She cant volley and her movement wont be suited to grass. She will probably go through a few rounds easily and then struggle late doors. The best draw of the comp has to be for Venus Williams but she has been known to throw in a shocking match and lose to an average player. I think Wimbledon this year there will be a lot of close matches with the Women and without being able to seperate the top few im going for a few outsiders here: -

Sharapova @ 9/1 - Back from her injury and seeded 24. She has a decent draw and shouldnt have a tough game till Serena in the 1/4's. This is her surface really, she loves playing at Wimbledon and her power and serve are still very strong after her shoulder surgery.

Dementieva @ 30/1 - If this girl could serve she would have been a top 4 player for years. Sadly her 2nd serve is probably the worst on the tour but has improved no end over the last 2 years. Again she has all the experience and could beat anyone on her day.

Mirza @ 500/1 - This little Indian girl has so much power for being only 5 ft 4" tall and has had some great results at Wimbledon in previous years. She hits the ball so flat and has a very short swing which is ideal for the low bouncing ball at Wimbledon.