posted July 4, 2008 at 19:24 in Tennis Betting Trends

London, England – With Rafael Nadal’s rapidly rising star on grass, hot sports betting money has been going to wagering on Nadal at BetUS Sportsbook during Wimbledon betting. Records were being broken, not only at BetUS but also worldwide in the tennis betting markets. Now, with the Wimbledon final set to kick off on Sunday, the online sports betting community is presented with one more opportunity to bet on Nadal. This time it is in the most important and much anticipated battle on Centre Court – the Wimbledon final. The match that sports bettors are comparing to the legendary rivalry of Borg-McEnroe of 1980/81, where Borg was the Federer and McEnroe the Nadal who ended Borg’s streak of five Wimbledon titles in 1981, has everyone wondering whether history will repeat itself. So when the grass has nestled, the final bow taken, who will be the one clutching the Wimbledon trophy? Will Federer return to the Wimbledon fold or will Wimbledon embrace a new champion? Here is my take on this sensational and fitting 2008 Wimbledon billing.

Tennis Betting Line: Roger Federer -140 Rafael Nadal EV 1

Head-to-head Analysis: Nadal Leads 11-6

Nadal is one of few players who can claim a winning record over the World No.1. In Grand Slams they have met six times, with Nadal getting the better of Nadal 4-2. This is their seventh Grand Slam final meeting and second in 2008. Nadal defeated Federer thoroughly in the French Open final

Nadal (EVEN) For the past three years, Rafael Nadal has made a concentrated effort to improve his grass court game. In 2006, when Nadal reached the first Wimbledon final, he was but a rookie. He managed to take one set of Federer before Federer clinched the victory in four. In 2007, in spite of playing seven straight days (because of rain delays) and hindered with a knee injury, Nadal impressively managed to come close to beating Federer. Stretching the maestro to an epic five set battle 7-6(7), 4-6, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-2. This year Nadal has his best shot of winning Wimbledon.

Nadal arrives in the final having dropped just one set – against Ernests Gulbis in the second round. In the quarterfinal, he was nothing short of superb in his powerful dismissal of Andy Murray. With a relatively straightforward victory in the semi-final against Rainer Schuettler, Nadal should be fresh and well rested to meet the challenge of Federer.

Federer (-140) Roger Federer is in his domain, his favourite playground. Federer’s game is cut for grass and he has sat on his grass perch for five years, amassing a 64 consecutive match win record. Federer is gunning for a historic sixth consecutive Wimbledon title.

Tennis Prediction: While Federer has failed to solve the Nadal dilemma on clay in three tries at the French Open, he has in their last two meetings at Wimbledon. But with the season the Spaniard has enjoyed, significantly winning the Stella Artois Championship, the big question is will Nadal solve the dilemma that is Federer on grass. This match will probably go one of two ways – either it will be a blowout like the French Open final or it will be another epic like the 2007 Wimbledon title. I am hoping for the latter. Since Nadal’s loss at the Masters Series in Rome, he has enjoyed a 23-match-winning streak highlighted by winning the title in Hamburg, French Open and Stella Artois Championships.

Tennis Betting Prediction: I cannot help but feel the turning of tides may have finally arrived in the Spaniards fortunes. He has been World No.2 for three years – a feat no other has accomplished. His run-up to Wimbledon was convincing and his progress through the rounds at the All England Club only confirmed him even more as a viable contender for the 2008 Wimbledon title. Even the odds makers’ are giving him a shot at even odds. Heck, even Bjorn Borg himself picks Nadal – and he is a big fan of Federer.

Tennis Free Picks: Nadal in four sets

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room