Wimbledon 2008 With this year’s Wimbledon championship set to take place at the end of June, those who take their sports betting seriously might already have half an eye on the major male and female contenders for tournament. With £750,000 prize money up for grabs for each champion competition is sure to be fierce, but aside from the money the opportunity to win what some see as the premier tennis tournament in the world looks set to, as ever, give us a great few weeks. As ever, it is hard to look beyond Roger Federer in the men’s section. Champion for the last five years, Federer is the best in the world on grass and seems to relish the atmosphere at Wimbledon. But this year more than most there is potential for someone else to take the crown. Though Federer is favourite with Blue Square at 4/5*, Novak Djokovic has had a great last year or so, and by pricing him at 3/1 the bookies clearly feel he has the best chance of denying Federer six in a row. Andy Roddick’s, at 10/1*, he is clearly considered a bit of a long shot, while twice runner-up Rafael Nadal, in spite of recent mixed fortunes, is priced at 6/1*. Andrew Murray is sure to have the support of the crowd but this year’s Wimbledon might come a little early for him, while Mario Ancic seems the pick of the rest at 33/1*. The women’s singles has traditionally proved more open than the men’s, and the betting reflects this. Maria Sharapova is the slight favourite (5/2*), ahead of defending champion Venus Williams (11/4*). Yet the Williams sisters seem to thrive at Wimbledon, so it is hard to discount the younger Serena at 9/2*. The possibilities don’t end there, either. Justine Henin, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic and Amelie Mauresmo all have tempting odds, so betting on the women’s championship might appear more attractive to those reluctant to bet against Federer. Either way, we’re surely in for a typically exciting Wimbledon. *All odds taken from Blue Square Sports Betting. Odds subject to change.