Pete Sampras reigned supreme from 1997 to 2000 and Roger Federer has proved just as dominant in triumphing on the last four occasions.
Certainly, for punters is difficult to spot a chink in the Swiss genius’ armour so it is little surprise to see the 25-year-old world number 1 short-priced (around the 4/9 mark) to collect a fifth consecutive trophy.
Rafael Nadal surprised many observers by carrying some of his clay form on to grass last year, breezing through the early rounds on route to his first Wimbledon final and thereby underlining his status as the second best player in the world on any surface. He took a set off Federer in their Centre Court showdown but he remains a long way short of matching Federer’s all-round prowess on the green stuff.
So where should you look for value? Don’t rule out Andy Roddick. The American former world number two has got back to something approaching his best form since appointing Jimmy Connors as his coach last July. Leaving aside his poor form on clay – never his favourite surface – Roddick has been increasingly dangerous. Just weeks into his relationship with Connors last year he reached the US Open final, losing to Federer, and made the last four in Australia in January before bowing out to his old nemesis. The fact he’s reached a final and semi-final in his last two non-clay Grand Slam appearances, and lost to Federer on both occasions, shows that Roddick is a force to be taken seriously. At 11/2 each-way (half the odds for reaching the final) he’s worth considering.
That said, however, there’s no getting away from the fact that Federer and Nadal have contested three of the last five Grand Slams. On that basis, the price of 5/2 on this year’s showdown being a repeat of 12 months ago is too tempting to ignore.
Last 10 finals
2006 Federer bt Nadal 6-0, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3
2005 Federer bt Roddick 6-2, 7-6, 6-4
2004 Federer bt Roddick 4-6, 7-5, 7-6, 6-4
2003 Federer bt Philippoussis 7-6, 6-3, 6-3
2002 Hewitt bt Nalbandian 6-1, 6-3, 6-2
2001 Ivanisevic bt Rafter 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7
2000 Sampras bt Rafter 6-7, 7-6, 6-4, 6-2
1999 Sampras bt Agassi 6-3, 6-4, 7-5
1998 Sampras bt Ivanisevic 6-7, 7-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2
1997 Sampras bt Pioline 6-4, 6-2, 6-4
• All prices correct at time of writing.
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