Andy Murray and A-Rod battle for a Spot in the Wimbledon Final

London, Great Britain – Inasmuch as the foremost storyline at Wimbledon is about Federer surpassing Pete Sampras’s record of 14 Grand Slam’s which he equalled at Roland Garros last month and even about Andy Murray ending Britain’s title drought at Wimbledon since Fred Perry won the title in 1937 and winning his maiden Grand Slam title, the subplot is about A-Rod winning his second career major title. A-Rod has been carrying the “one-slam-wonder” moniker ever since his lone Grand Slam victory at the US Open in 2003. There is nothing the 26-year-old American and two-time Wimbledon finalist (2004 and 2005) would like to achieve more than winning Wimbledon –not unlike most players as Wimbledon is arguably the most prestigious of all four majors. Might this be his year? He is certainly in the best shape he has ever been. Yet, his desire lies at cross-purposes to Britain’s hope – Andy Murray and the task they have charged him with ever since it became apparent he was the real deal.

Tennis Betting Line:

Andy Roddick +4½ -110 +250 40½ O -130 U -110 18½ O -115 U -125

Andrew Murray -4½ -130 -400 40½ O -130 U -110 21½ O -120 U -120

Match Time: 08:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday July 3 2009

Head-to-Head Analysis: Andy Murray owns the head-to-head edge 6-2, which includes two straight victories against Roddick in the Round Robin at the Tennis Masters Cup (2008)and in the final at Doha (2009). The last time Roddick beat Andy Murray was in the quarters at London Queen’s Club (2008).

Tennis Betting Analysis: The tennis betting line clearly favours Andy Murray at -400. Murray has positioned himself so that many believe he will win his maiden Grand Slam this year. Most believed he would do it at the US Open. But in winning London’s Queen Club this year the expectations spooled back a bit. Over the fortnight of action, Murray has put forward some solid performances. His best win was in the R16, when he survived Stanislas Wawrinka in five sets. There was nothing special about his quarters. Juan Carlos Ferrero was out of his depth.

Much is being made of Andy Roddick’s five-set thriller against Lleyton Hewitt in the quarters and the fact the he might be knackered. Stefanki is nothing if thorough. He has worked Roddick exactly for such an occasion. Roddick will be ready tomorrow. He won’t lose because he was knackered but outplayed. That is the only way this match will go down.

Tennis Betting Verdict: That said, this is Roddick’s best shot at shrugging the moniker that has overshadowed his enduring career over the last six years. How would he do it – he would have to have a great game plan against Murray and serve exceptionally well. A little bit of a meltdown (unlikely) from Murray might help too. Reading back over all of this, it is a long shot bet after all. My bad. Hats off to him if he accomplishes it but given that Murray looks too good right now, he is the more likely play.