Hot Rodd can make it a nervous wait for Murray

TODAY BBC1
WIMBLEDON fever is at its highest for years as Andy Murray bids to become the first British finalist since Bunny Austin in 1938. At 1/4 Murray is a huge favourite, and looking at the head-to-head record it’s not hard to see why as he leads Andy Roddick 6-2 on previous meetings.

But we shouldn’t forget that the man standing in his way is a twice finalist here, and clearly loves playing on the grass courts of the capital – Roddick has also won at the Queen’s Club four times.

A-Rod has the fastest serve in the game, and, as we’ve seen before when big-hitters have been drawn against solid returners like Murray, the Centre Court crowd could be in for the long haul. Against big-serving Stanislas Wawrinka, Andy Murray made Wimbledon history with the latest ever tournament finish while Roddick’s epic five sets against Lleyton Hewitt, another excellent returner of the ball, lasted ten minutes short of four hours.

Despite Murray’s quick fire demolition of Ferrero in the last round, I wouldn’t put anyone off backing today’s match to go to five sets at 16/5 with Boylesports, but the most attractive bet looks to be a buy of total games at 40 with Sporting Index. In the two matches mentioned there were a total of 102 games, while Roddick has wrapped up just one of his five matches in three sets at this year’s Wimbledon.

I would also suggest following a simple back-to-lay strategy with Roddick. He is available now at around 3/1 on Betdaq and if it does go the distance he is likely to be much shorter during the match.

The American has not lost an opening set in the tournament so far and, as shown against big servers in the past, Murray can take a while to find his feet. This will only be exacerbated by the pressures of his first-semi final in front of 15,000 expectant fans. Look to lay off at around the 6/4 mark to lock in a profit.

POINTERS…
Buy total games at 40 with Sporting Index
Andy Roddick to win at 3/1 on Betdaq
Look to lay off at around 6/4 in-running