Wimbledon 2016 betting odds: Can Raonic or Murray stop Djokovic?
Who to back for a long run at Wimbledon this year when the tournament gets underway in SW19
It's June and rain is in the air, which can only mean one thing – Wimbledon is due to begin.
Play at SW19 is due to get underway today with Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams unsurprisingly installed as the bookies' favourites for the two singles titles.
But who should the intelligent punter be backing for a good run at the All England Championships over the next fortnight?
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MEN'S DRAW
Andy Murray: Odds 7-2
The 2013 champion has been given a relatively easy path to a potential showdown with his nemesis Novak Djokovic in the final of this year's tournament. Not only is Murray in the opposite half of the draw to the Serbian, he has also avoided Roger Federer and Milos Raonic.
The world number two is likely to be tested by the likes of Richard Gasquet and Stan Wawrinka, and could face a tough workout against Nick Kyrgios, but it would be a surprise if he was not in action on the final Sunday of the tournament, and while Djokovic has ridiculous odds of 8-11 on, Murray is available at 7-2, which makes an each way bet a viable option.
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But why not back him to go the whole hog? "Djokovic has never beaten Murray on the grass or even taken a set on the surface against him and although much has changed since Murray's 2013 Wimbledon triumph it's very hard to look anywhere else when opposing the Serb," says Betfair.
With coach Ivan Lendl back on board, Murray may have it in him to win a second title.
Milos Raonic: Odds 20-1 (6-1 to win QF)
The big serving 25-year-old Canadian "is arguably the most consistent player on tour but unfortunately for him that involves being consistently unable to beat the top players in the big events", says Sky Sports, which notes that he has lost five times to Murray and Djokovic this season, most recently at Queen's.
He is also likely to run into Djokovic in the last eight this year, which might not bode well for Raonic were it not for the presence of John McEnroe in his camp this season.
"His huge serve and McEnroe's nous could make for a potent Wimbledon mix," says Sporting Life.
If McEnroe can do for Raonic what Lendl has done for Murray and Becker for Djokovic, the Canadian could finally get one over on one of the big dogs. And if he does stun Djokovic, then who's to say he won't go all the way?
Dominic Thiem: Odds 50-1 (10-3 to win QF)
As he flies under the radar, Austrian tennis talent Thiem could be the breakthrough star of this year's Wimbledon, and is a very generous 50-1 to win the title despite being seeded eight.
A more realistic option might be to back him to win his quarter-final, which is likely to be against Wawrinka, at odds of 10-3.
"The 22-year-old has won more matches than any other player on tour this year and his four titles are bettered only by dominant world number one Novak Djokovic, who has six," notes Sporting Life. "His all-court game has developed hugely this year with his strong backhand and solid groundstrokes the basis for a game that has caused problems for everyone he has faced."
His fans will be "baffled and delighted" by his long odds, according to Sky Sports, which says "it would be no surprise to see him challenging Murray in the semis".
Bernard Tomic: Odds 150-1 (12-1 to win QF)
The third quarter of the draw, which features Thiem, Stan Wawrinka, Tomas Berdych and Juan Martin del Potro is attracting a lot of attention as none of the big names are that dominant. This has made Australian Tomic a popular choice to win the quarter finals.
Only marginally less controversial than his Australian compatriot Nick Kyrgios, Tomic has only made one Grand Slam quarter final before but that was at Wimbledon in 2011 and if he can get some momentum he may surprise a few.
Jack Sock: Odds 500-1 (33-1 to win QF)
If you want to back a long shot then why not go for the young American, who is tipped as the man most likely to end the US's long wait for a male Grand Slam champion.
"At 22, Jack Sock is seeded at Wimbledon for the first time, having climbed 46 places from this time last year to his current mark of 31 in the world," notes The Guardian. He possesses "a forehand that is becoming one of the biggest weapons in the game", says the paper.
On the down side he is in the same quarter as Raonic and Federer, so it would be some achievement were he to progress.
WOMEN'S DRAW:
Serena Williams: Odds 6-4
Last year Williams left London holding all four Grand Slam titles, but she returns with only one to her name and she will be determined not to let the Wimbledon crown slip from her grasp.
"The 34-year-old world number one is always at her most dangerous on grass where her serve – widely regarded as the best ever seen in the women's game – and crushing groundstrokes have often dismantled opponents," says Sporting Life. "It would be fitting for her to join [Steffi] Graf on 22 majors at the All England Club where she has already won six times, the first coming back in 2003."
She will almost certainly be in the mix but for once there are other contenders.
Garbine Muguruza: Odds 5-1
The French Open champion is the coming force in the women's game, and seems destined to fill the hole left by Maria Sharapova. She made the final at Wimbledon last year where she lost to Williams, but gained her revenge by winning in France.
However, she faces a tricky first round match agaisnt Camila Giorgi, notes Tennis.com and has had only one outing on grass this season, a defeat to Kirsten Flipkens
"Is Muguruza the next number one, or the next Mary Pierce? We'll get an idea over the course of this fortnight," it says.
Johanna Konta: Odds 66-1 (9-1 to win QF)
The Briton made it to the semi-finals of the Australian Open earlier this year and could spring a surprise or two at Wimbledon.
Konta is the first British seed in the women's draw since Jo Durie in 1984. Tipped to go far by Tim Henman, she faces a tough opening match against Monica Puig.
"Konta is seeded number 16 after an outstanding climb up the rankings having entered last year's Wimbledon outside the top 100," notes the Evening Standard. "Konta is still waiting for a first Wimbledon singles win – and this will be her fifth attempt – but given her new elevated status, there is every confidence she will overcome the dangerous Monica Puig, world number 43."
Former champion Petra Kvitova is likely to be her opponent in the last eight if she makes it that far.