Strawberries and cream abound in SW19 as Wimbledon kicks off today in sweltering conditions.
All Grand Slams are a test of durability and stamina and this year’s tournament will be even more so given the forecast conditions.
With the Men’s favourite Roger Federer at a backable 2/1 many will be happy to trust the Swiss maestro to add to his astonishing eight titles. We would not dissuade anyone from this approach, but at a bigger price Nick Kyrgios stands out at 9/2 to win his quarter of the draw.
The enigmatic Aussie has the perfect game for grass and has arrived at this tournament with a lower profile and fewer distractions away from the court. If he can focus on the task in hand we believe there is a deep run waiting for a man who has improved his all round game considerably in the past few years.
A quarter with clay court specialist Dominic Thiem, an ailing Novak Djokovic and the talented Alex Zverev means Kyrgios is overpriced at 9/2 to come through. His blockbuster serve and improved movement make him a standout pick.
The Women’s tournament appears more open than it has been in a long time with the hitherto dominant Serena Williams still feeling her way back to peak form. Petra Kvitkova knows how to win here and is priced accordingly as favourite.
But we are astonished at the 14/1 available on Simona Halep to follow up her French Open success. The number one seed has reached the semi final here and also progressed to the last eight on a couple of occasions where she lost out in some titantic tussles.
With her new found belief we believe the powerful, mobile Romanian will put her durability to the fore and claim a second Grand Slam in succession. She took a break after Paris and arrives here fresh and with a fine chance in a wide open market.
Recommendations:
Nick Kyrgios to win third quarter of the draw, 1 pt, at 9/2, Ladbrokes
Simona Halep to win women’s tournament, 2 pt, at 14/1, Paddy Power
Please subscribe for notification of up-to-date tips and news, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
