Murray faces Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vasselin in the 2nd round on Thursday after he endured a tough 1st round match against American youngster, Ryan Harrison, which took the UK’s #1 four sets to see out the match. The win, although laboured at times, will certainly give Murray, and his new coach Ivan Lendl, food for thought towards Murray’s hope for progression through this tournament.

Can Murray really win the Australian Open?

There’s no doubt that Andy Murray has the ability to win a Grand Slam – he’s reached three finals in his short career so far. But in each and everyone, something happened to Murray. Shockingly, Murray has never won a single set in any of his Grand Slam Final appearances. OK, he was up against Roger Federer (2008, 2010) when he was playing some of his best tennis ever and then again against Novak Djokovic (2011), who would go onto win an incredible ten tournaments in 2011, in those final appearances but it was more Murray’s own performance rather than his opponents feats which brought about his downfall.

Now, Andy Murray, has the capable stewardship of Ivan Lendl in his corner. Will this be the difference which Murray requires to turn Slam final defeats into victories? Only time will tell.

Mens Australian Open Winner Betting 2012

Novak Djokovic	5/4	6/5	11/10	11/10
Roger Federer	4	7/2	7/2	4
Andy Murray	5	11/2	11/2	11/2
Rafael Nadal	13/2	5	11/2	6
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga	16	20	18	16
Juan Martin Del Potro	20	16	25	14

Odds Last Updated: 18/01/2011 (Betting Odds Correct at Time of Writing)

Murray is playing on his favourite surface – hard court – and must be confident going in to the Flushing Meadows with that Cincinnati final victory over the World’s Number One – Novak Djokovic – in his back pocket. Victory could have been sweeter for Murray if Djokovic hadn’t retired with injury in the second set – still, you take these triumphs where you can and build from them.

Hurricane Irene hasn’t helped Murray’s preparations by delaying his 1st round game with India’s, Somdev Devvarman, by 24 hours. Devvarman will be hoping for some giant killing form to beat Murray, which is why Murray must show his ruthlessness to the Indian and the watching eyes of the top seeds.

Murray reached the finals of the US Open three years when he was soundly beaten by Roger Federer. Most US Open tennis betting 2011 fans will have noted that Murray has failed to advance to the Quarter Final stage in the last two US Open’s.

Depending on how far Murray can make it into the later stages of the US Open his path will likely lead him to Nadal in the Semi Finals – unless Nadal is thwarted along the way and given his indifferent form of late it won’t be a shocker if the Spaniard falls out of the competition early at Flushing Meadows.

This could be the ideal time for Murray to break his duck. Nadal and Federer are nowhere near their best form and no-one is really sure about Djokovic’s injury. If anything, the more you examine the form of the top contenders for the Men’s US Open title, the more you fancy Andy Murray’s chances.

Mens US Open Winner Betting 2011

Novak Djokovic	5/4	5/4	11/8	5/4
Rafael Nadal	4	4	9/2	4
Roger Federer	6	5	11/2	11/2
Andy Murray	4	9/2	9/2	9/2
Juan Martin del Potro	16	16	14	11

Odds Last Updated: 31/08/2011 – Betting Odds Correct at Time of Writing)

Which now sets Andy Murray up very nicely against the unseeded Feliciano Lopez in a interesting quarter-final encounter.

The bookies have Murray as out-and-out favourite in the Murray v Lopez betting odds. Murray (best bet of 1/8 from Betfred) has never lost against Lopez (best bet of 13/2 from Bet365) in any of their previous four encounters. Albeit, neither player has ever faced each other in a Grand Slam tournament nor on grass.

Lopez is not unknown in and around Wimbledon. Although the Spaniard is not seeded he has fairly decent form on grass and has reached this stage on two previous occassions (2005, 2008). Lopez also dismissed number eight seed Andy Roddick in the Third round earlier in the competition plus he showed character and mental strength to come from 2 sets down to win the match 3-2 against Lukasz Kubot in the fourth round. Lopez might be seen as the underdog by the bookies but he’s a dangerous opponent for Murray and it won’t be a surprise for most tennis betting fans if this game goes the full 5 sets.

If Murray can see off Lopez, he then has a semi-final game against either Rafael Nadal or Mardy Fish. News that Nadal is suffering with a foot injury was evident when the world’s number one seed had to take a lengthy medical time-out in the first set against his fourth round opponent Del Potro. Of course, Murray has to overcome Lopez first, before he starts thinking of any semi-final game plan.

To Win The Mens Wimbledon 2011 Betting Odds

Roger Federer : best bet of 15/8 from Sportingbet
Novak Djokovic : best bet of 7/2 from Sportingbet
Rafael Nadal : best bet of 7/2 from Paddy Power
Andy Murray : best bet of 21/4 from Unibet
Any Other Player : best bet of 50/1 from Boyle Sports

Andy Murray has been given the 4th seed spot for Wimbledon after the All England Club decided to stick with the official top five seedings according to the tennis world rankings. It means Murray will be placed above Nadal (#1), Djokovic (#2), Federer (#3) and ahead of Sodering (#5).

On the back of his 2nd Queen’s title success in three years, Andy Murray couldn’t have picked a more opportune time to be hitting form. Murray looked as though he was enjoying himself throughout the Queen’s tournament and included some spectacular trick shots to his repertoire against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. However, showboating aside, the question remains, “Can Andy Murray win Wimbledon?”

There are three main obstacles which Andy Murray must overcome, if he is ever to win Wimbledon or any other Grand Slam tournament, and those are namely Nadal, Djokovic & Federer in no particular order. Murray’s inability to boss any of the top 3 seeds in big competitions is more down to his own failings, than that of his opponents dominance. Murray must conquer his Grand Slam achilles heel – too many errors on Murray’s part undermine any effort of playing consistently great tennis required to win a Slam.

That said. It won’t stop the crowd getting caught up in some form of Wimbledon Tennis Betting mayhem towards Andy Murray, as he attempts to progress through the early rounds. But it will be in the back of Murray’s mind and also tennis betting fans that the expectation of him failing to win Wimbledon will be much greater than the belief he can actually win it.

Is Andy murray capable of winning Wimbledon? Of course he is, but whether he will is a another matter entirely.

The World’s No 2 is unbeaten in 2011. Djokovic has played in seven tournaments so far this season playing a total of 37 games and truimphed in every one. It’s no wonder tennis betting fans are scrambling to get money on Djokovic to win the French Open.

The French Open is played on clay and the Roland Garros red stuff can be a surface that physically drains many great tennis players and is a goliath to master. The French Open is primarily, over the last few years, Rafael Nadal’s domain. The classy Spaniard has won the French Open five times over the last six years. Interestingly, Novak Djokovic, has never won a French Open title, he’s been semi-finalist twice in 2007 and 2008 – beaten both times by guess who? Rafael Nadal of-course.

Yet, Djokovic has beaten Nadal already this season, not once but four times. The most eye-catching result was the victory over Nadal at the 2011 Rome Masters also played on clay. That truimph meant that Djokovic claimed his 4th Masters title of the year and his 37th consecutive win in tennis since the season began.

Nadal is the bookies favourite to win the French Open tennis betting and halt the Djokovic juggernaut. Out of the rest, Andy Murray looks to have found a purple patch of form but his inconsistency is surely a concern. Roger Federer still lacks the desire to win titles and personally I can’t see him busting a gut on the unforgiving Roland Garros surface to win this one. Juan Del Potro is a possibility, but he’ll meet Djokovic in the third round if both progress and that’ll be it for del Porto one feels. Robin Soderling seems a decent outside bet. The Swede was twice defeated in the previous two French Open finals and looks likely to proceed to the quarters without too much difficulty.

One tempting bet is can Djokovic overtake the 42 match unbeaten record that belongs to John McEnroe set way back in 1984. The big Serb doesn’t even need to win the French Open to claim that record. Make the semi-final and he’s 43 unbeaten. Bet365 are offering odds of 4/9 that Djokovic will beat the record.

French Open Mens Winner Betting Odds

Rafael Nadal : Best Betting Odds of 6/5 from Paddy Power
Novak Djokovic : Best Betting Odds of 13/8 from Sporting Bet
Roger Federer : Best Betting Odds of 14/1 from Betfred
Andy Murray : Best Betting Odds of 16/1 from Sporting Bet
Juan Martin Del Potro : Best Betting Odds of 39/1 from Unibet
David Ferrer : Best Betting Odds of 50/1 from Sporting Bet
Robin Soderling : Best Betting Odds of 54/1 from Unibet
Any Other Player : Best Betting Odds of 66/1 from Boyle Sports

What do you think? Can Djokovic win the 2011 French Open? Did you know you can get a host of free bets from our special French Open Betting page dedicated to bringing you the lastest news and offers concerned with everything about the French Open.

Melbourne has been good to Murray, he was last year’s finalist, although he was humbled by a very blistering Federer. Let’s hope Murray can go one better this year.

The semi-final against Ferrer was tough for Murray. The Spaniard outplayed Murray in the first set, winning it 6-4. Ferrer, was unlucky not to take a two set lead, when he was 5-4 up in games and sitting with a set point. Somehow Murray focussed himself and saw off the threat of Ferrer winning the set 7-6. It was later revealed by Murray he wasn’t aware that Ferrer was on set-point, perhaps if he had been more aware of the score, he may have buckled under the pressure.

Murray cruised the third set, 6-1. The fourth set was then slogged out with each player digging deep from within. Thankfully, Murray turned it up a notch in the tie-break and won the set 7-6.

Now, Djokovic, stands in Murrays way.

Murray cannot afford to play in patches, the way he played against Ferrer. There was too many errors by Murray in the early sets of his semi-final game. Perhaps it was nerves before he found his stride in the third set. One thing is certain though, if he plays like that in the final, Djokovic will destroy Murray’s dream of winning his first Grand Slam Final.

The latest Australian Open Tennis Betting odds for the Australian Open final has Novak Djokovic as favourite, best bet of 3/4 from Paddy Power. You can get odds of 17/13 from Bwin of Andy Murray winning his first Grand Slam. We have plenty of free bets on offer if you fancy placing a bet on the outcome of this match.

You can watch the Australian Open Final between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray this Sunday, 30th of January, on BBC2 from 8:15 am.

From all at Free Betting Online we wish Andy Murray the best ahead of his greatest chance of ever winning an Open title.

Then as Roger Federer’s form dipped from the French Open onwards a certain Mr Rafael Nadal stepped in to the Number One position and cast a shadow of uncertainty over Andy Murray. It has seen the Scot drop from No. 2 seed in the World rankings at the beginning of 2010 to Fifth seed ahead of the 2011 Australian Open betting play beginning on the 17th of January 2011.

It has been reported that Murray has been working hard on his clay surface part of his game, in an attempt to make him a stronger all-rounder to compete in the Grand Slams. However, dropping down the World seeding positions will no doubt make it more difficult for Murray, as he is bound to meet those above him in the earlier stages of the competitions.

The Australian Open is played on hard court and is without doubt one of Murray’s favoured playing surfaces. 2011 can be seen as a fresh start for Murray, I’m sure he will relish the opportunity to rip that monkey from his back and become the first British tennis player, for a matter of decades, to win a Grand Slam.

You can get a list of the latest tailored betting offers and free bets surrounding Andy Murray’s, Australian Open, progress from our Australian Open Tennis Betting page.

Signs that Roger Federer is beginning his slide down from that grateful height he has risen to in those seven outstanding years where he dominated the game are evident. Murray could have won Wimbledon except he had to beat Nadal. And although Murray gave it his best, it just was never good enough to overcome the classy Spaniard.

Now, it’s hard court time at the US Open, a game much more suited to Murray’s style.

One of the more exciting sports spread betting campaigns is the Mens Tennis Major Performances scorecard from Sporting Index.

Points are awarded on the following basis:

Winner of a Grand Slam = 50 points
Runner up of a Grand Slam = 25 points
Semi-final of slam = 10 points.

The Spread for Murray to win a Grand Slam is 48-51. With Murray currently sitting at 35 (for 3 slams) there is a great chance he could make the final of the US Open (granted that Nadal is not in his part of the draw). If Murray does reach the final then he will at least accumulate a minimum of 60 points. That’s 9 more than the buying figure of 51 meaning if you bet £10 you would receive £90. However, if Murray only reached the semi-final of the US Open that would give his index as 45 points. 6 points under the margin at which you bought – 51, meaning you would lose £60 from your £10 stake.

Bigger risks, yes, but bigger pay-out’s without a doubt and much more exciting than fixed odds betting.

If you want to learn more about Spread Betting then check out’s Sporting Index’s Training Academy.

Most tennis betting fans will be looking at Nadal’s, somewhat, tame start against Soderling as a silver lining for Murray’s attempt to oust the classy Spaniard. Soderling took the first five games in the first set to lead Nadal 5-0, eventually winning the set 6-3. However, a heated argument with the Umpire in the second set seemed to drive Nadal, who clearly felt wronged and after that there was only one likely winner, with Nadal bagging the next three sets to set up this Wimbledon Semi-Final meeting between Nadal and Murray.

Murray’s quest to become the first British player to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry, way back in 1936, as if you need reminding, is like something out of a Indiana Jones movie. There are so many obstacles in the way of a British Tennis player holding aloft the Wimbledon Championship that we have created our very own Holy Grail. So many British players have fallen through the years to claim that elusive prize. You can almost hear Indy whisper to Murray, “Fortune and glory, kid. Fortune and glory.”

#market(murraynadal2010)#

For more information on Murray Nadal betting plus a host of Free Bets offers from Free Betting Online then sign-up to our newsletter for great info on a number of UK sporting events.

#market(wim2010men)#

It seems the lack of press coverage or national interest has been good for Murray as he has blitzed his way into the last eight without conceding a set. Now the question a lot of Wimbledon Tennis betting 2010 fans will be asking if he has the mettle to go one better than last year’s Semi-Final appearance and help put a smile on this Nation’s face again.

Stand out matches in the Men’s Wimbledon Quarters for those of you interested in Tennis betting are as follows : Robin Soderling SWE (6) vs Rafael Nadal ESP (2), Jo-Wilfried Tsonga FRA (10) Vs Andy Murray GBR (4). I expect Roger Federer to ease past No.12 seed Tomas Berdych and Novak Djokovic to take care of business over Yen-Hsun Lu despite his famous victory over Roddick.

#market(wim2010men)#

The Woman’s Wimbledon Quarters has the Williams sisters once again seperated by the draw. Their seems an air of inevitably about them reaching the Finals again this year. Serena Williams USA (1) meets Na Li CHN (9) and her sibling Venus Williams USA (2) takes on Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria. Both the Americans look likely to progress. The other Woman’s Wimbledon Quarters look a little harder to predict. Unseeded pair, Petra Kvitova CZE and Kaia Kanepi EST will battle it out while Kim Clijsters BEL (8) has her work cut-out against Vera Zvonareva RUS (21).

#market(wim2010women)#

If you think Andy Murray has a chance of winning Wimbledon then you can sign-up for a host of Free Bets and Offers from Free Betting Online. You could even get a great deal on predicting both the Men’s and Woman’s Wimbledon champions come this Sunday.