Tennis betting - Is Roger's reign over
Posted on 10/3/2008 12:13:30 PM
By Marco Sussman
Betting on Federer or Nadal
-
What does the former champ's future hold?
Tennis betting got a major shock last weekend when Roger Federer's reign at Wimbledon came to an abrupt end—though, according to some, it was a long time coming.
Now tennis bettors are scrambling to figure out whether or not they can trust the “once dominant” Swiss star. The perennial favorite in just about everything but the French Open, Federer laid waste to his competition for years; his 12 Grand Slams, just two short of Pete Sampras' record, are more than proof of that.
But after Sunday's epic battle at Wimbledon, supposedly the sky is falling. There's no juice left in Roger's racket, he's washed up, a has-been, ready for the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic et al to leave him scrambling for scraps.
Um, what?
True, the competition has closed the gap to Federer in recent years, but he didn't exactly get smoked by Robert Dee (who won his first professional match in April after 54 straight defeats, the worst-ever start to a career). Nadal is the best tennis player we've seen in years and years... besides Federer, of course.
It would be foolhardy to argue Federer can maintain the frenetic pace of winning that has defined his career. He's 26 years old and faces the possibility he's passed his peak as a tennis player. But considering how high his peak as a player was, we're betting Federer has a few more wins left in him yet. A lot more, in fact.
So far, the Swiss has had a “down” year. He's still managed to win two singles titles and post a 37-8 record. Most players would kill for those numbers, and let's not forget Federer was diagnosed with mono earlier in the season.
Will he have another 2004, when he won three of the four Grand Slams, didn't lose a match to anyone ranked in the top-10, and won every final he reached? No, odds are he won't. But when you're at the top of the mountain, there's nowhere to go but down. Federer still has a long way to go before he reaches the depths of tennis mediocrity.
In the meantime, tennis bettors can take solace in that fact that Roger Federer still has plenty of quality matches?and victories?ahead of him. If anything, take advantage and back Federer while some foolishly start considering him an “underdog”.
For daily tips and information in sports wagering, visit The Bettor's Edge, and be sure to check out the BetOnline.com Sportsbook for all your tennis betting needs.
Marco Sussman isn't too bad on the links, reportedly a
five handicap. But, he's great in the sports betting game. He'll watch just about
anything you put in front of him, but golf is what really gets his juices
flowing. Thoughts or questions? Email
Comments@BetOnline.com.