Bookies relieved, Murray miserable

Europe News.Net
Saturday 4th July, 2009

London bookmakers were breathing a massive sigh of relief after avoiding a financial bath thanks to the Wimbledon semi-finals loss of Andy Murray.

The four-set loss to Andy Roddick cost enthusiastic British punters up to $2 million, with more money placed on the Scot than any other player in Wimbledon history.

'It was the biggest anti-climax of the betting year. Loyal fans are in disbelief and we've escaped what would've been our biggest payout in tennis betting history,' said a spokesman from Ladbrokes.

The patriotic punting was reminiscent of the glory days of Tim Henman, who reached four Wimbledon semis but got no further.

'Tim Henman cost British punters more cash than any other sportsman but Murray might just have pinched that unwelcome title in the past few weeks.

'Murray-mania is over for one summer and we've lived to tell the tale but we suspect he'll be back to give us more sleepless nights for many more years to come. His following is phenomenal.'

For the final, Ladbrokes gives the edge to Federer over Roddick, with the Swiss a 1/8 red-hot favourite for a sixth title from the past seven years. Three-time finalist Roddick is a 9/2 outsider with Murray 5/2 to win Wimbledon next year.

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