WIMBLEDON, LONDON, ENGLAND -- The 2008 tennis season reaches a climax this week as Wimbledon hosts the 132nd Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Just over a month after the 2008 French Open prompted a radical reordering in the ranks of professional tennis players, the 2008 Wimbledon tennis tournament promises to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory.
Men's Singles Draw
A trio of players have dominated men's tennis this season. While it appears a foregone conclusion that Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are going to make appearances in the final rounds of the 2008 Open Championships, the prospect of seeing which of these three will prevail at Wimbledon 2008 is a powerful hook for the tournament.
Roger Federer has been priced 5/4 favourite to win Wimbledon in Outright Winner betting markets. However, this price is more a tribute to past form than anything the Swiss maestro has achieved during this season. Federer has picked up only two wins during the 2008 season, with both of these coming at relatively obscure ATP tournaments.
While Federer remains lodged at the top of 2008 Wimbledon betting markets, all eyes will be on Rafael Nadal at this year's tournament.
The clay king is coming off one of the most successful clay seasons in tennis history, and tennis fans will be eager to see if he can carry his imperious form over to his lawn game. Bookmakers have honoured Nadal's potential by pricing him just behind Federer at 7/4 in the 2008 Wimbledon betting markets.
Novak Djokovic is the unknown quantity in this world class trio. The Serbian player has already taken one grand slam title this season, and will be playing on a surface that suits the strengths of his game. Sportsbooks have priced Djokovic at 9/2 to take his second title, which looks like a good bet given that Djokovic is currently playing far better than short-priced Federer.
Women's Draw
Maria Sharapova heads the ladies singles Wimbledon 2008 betting markets. The world number one is going into Wimbledon on the back of a disappointing French Open, where she clinched the top spot on the WTA rankings before succumbing to sensational newcomer Dinara Safina. Sharapova is priced 9/4 to claim her second Wimbledon title on her favourite surface.
With the departure of Justine Henin initiating a major reshuffling in women's tennis, the ladies singles draw looks tough to call. The powerful 3/1 priced Serena Williams can never be dismissed in a tournament she has won twice, while 4/1 priced Ana Ivanovic is increasingly looking like world champion material after her excellent win at the 2008 French Open.
About the 2008 Open Championships
The 2008 Wimbledon tennis tournament draws on a rich cultural tradition, and is one of the highlights of London's social calendar. However, the 2008 Open Championships has more to offer than Strawberries and Cream, with fans able to capitalise on some of the year's best tennis betting opportunities.
The 2008 Wimbledon tennis tournament is the premier online resource for this year's Open Championships. As the official partner of William Hill, the site places a special emphasis on tennis betting, with all visitors qualifying for a £25 free bet.
However, the site offers much more than betting information, with daily news updates, travel and ticketing information, and insights into the history and personalities of the biggest event in tennis. Fans interested in the lighter side of the event will enjoy browsing the Wimbledon trivia and tradition pages.
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