Wimbledon 2009 - an easy win for Federer?

The 2009 edition of UK’s grand slam tournament has recently started, but the general interest for the event is somehow smaller than expected because of Nadal’s absence. Without the ATP’s number one and last year’s winner, Roger Federer seems to be the big favorite of the event, with a much easier task.

If he manages to win at Wimbledon, Federer will climb back to the first position in the ATP World Tour and claim his 15th victory in a grand slam tournament. This is more than enough to motivate him to play at his best even without his rival’s presence.

Last year’s Wimbledon featured one of the most spectacular finals in the history of the tourney, with a five hours match between the arch-rivals Federer and Nadal. In the end, the Spanish managed to win and put an end to the long winning streak of Federer who had won the previous five tournaments.

Federer’s status of big favorite is undisputed, but there is an opponent who might have a big chance to ruin his plans. Andy Murray is seen as the most powerful opponent, and his chances are backed by his positive record against Federer and his ambition to win at home. If Andy wins at Wimbledon it will be the first English player who wins the tournament in the last 70 years. The two can play each other only in the grand final.

Bookmakers see Federer as favorite with a quote of 1.66 while Murray has a quote of 2.75. The next players are Djokovic, Roddick and del Potro, but all of them have high quotes and are considered very less likely to win. Betting on Djokovic will pay 13 times the amount of the bet, while Roddick or del Potro will pay 17 to 1.

The women’s tournament is expected to be more disputed. The WTA’s number one Dinara Safina has not won any grand slam tournament yet, and will have a very hard competition with the Williams sisters. Last year’s final was a family affair between Serena and Venus, with the latter emerging as winner.

Ladbrokes bookmaker sees Serena Williams as the main favorite followed closely by her sister Venus. Betting on Serena will pay 3 to 1 while a bet on Venus will pay 3.25 to 1. The next favorites according to the British bookie are Azartenka (10 to 1), Safina (11 to 1) and Sharapova (12 to 1). It is probably the highest possible payout for betting on the WTA’s number one, and can be a nice opportunity for punters if the Williams sisters won’t manage to win.

The total prize pool for this year’s Wimbledon Championship is £12.55 million, 6% higher than last year. The winner of the tournament will get £850,000 for both men and women.

For more information you can check out Wimbledon 2009 official website