Federer and Serena Among the Favorites as Wimbledon Odds Released

The early Wimbledon odds are in, and bookmakers are suggesting that Roger Federer is a big favorite to add another title to his already record haul of 8 Wimbledon titles.

The Swiss legend holds the record for most Grand Slam Tennis titles with 20 and is the all-time-winningest player at Wimbledon, with eighth heads championships to his name, including a win last year. The chances are good that he’ll extend both records when the tournament gets underway next week.

Ladbrokes has listed the 36-year old as a 15/8 favorite at Wimbledon, well ahead of his next-closest competitor.

Roger Federer: 15/8

Novak Djokovic: 11/2

Marin Cilic: 13/2

Rafael Nadal: 7/1

Andy Murray: 12/1

In a surprise twist, one of the contenders is suggesting that a bet on him may be a bad one. Novak Djokovic recently revealed that he doesn’t think he should be listed among the favorites after a lengthy layoff and slow arduous return to form still underway.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a contender, you know, for a (Wimbledon) trophy or anything like that,” Djokovic told Sport24. “I have to keep my expectations very low, considering my results in the last 12 months.”

The 12-time Grand Slam champion and former king of the tennis world is now ranked 22^nd in the world and hasn’t won a major title since the French Open in 2016.

Meanwhile, another of the contenders is home-crowd favorite Andy Murray. The Briton is battling back from injury after missing the Australian Open and has yet to announce if he’ll play in The Championships.

Serena Williams Comeback Tour

On the women’s side, it’s another all-time great who’s one of the betting favorites. Serena Williams has the second-best odds to take home her eighth Wimbledon title.

That status is something of a surprise considering she’s still working her way back into form after becoming a mother for the first time last September.

Her return to major tennis competition came to an abrupt end when she was forced to withdraw from her match with Maria Sharapova at the French Open. She’s now been cleared by her doctor and is among the top contenders in England.

Petra Kvitova: 5/1

Serena Williams: 6/1

Gabrine Muguruza: 15/2

Angelique Kerber: 12/1

Sloane Stephens has the best odds among all American women, paying out at 12/1.

Motherhood Has its Benefits

While Williams’ return from maternity leave at 36 makes for a great story, some of her competitors wonder whether she’s getting preferential treatment at the All England Tennis Club.

The former number one ranked player is now ranked 183rd in the world, thanks to her extended absence, but Wimbledon officials reserve the right to seed the tournament as they see fit to “produce a balanced draw”. And that’s what they’ve done by making Williams the 25th seed.

It’s not right, according to Dominika Cibulkova, who loses her seed – and a better draw – as a result.

“I think it’s just not fair,” Ciblukova told BBC News. “I have tried and I should be seeded. If they put her in front of me, then I will lose my spot that I am supposed to have.”

Others however have come to her defense. Caroline Wozniacki, the current world number two, said the 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams deserves to be seeded in the tournament given her legendary track record.

The tournament gets underway on July 2.