London - London bookmakers were breathing a massive sigh of relief after avoiding a financial bath thanks to the Wimbledon semi-finals loss of Andy Murray. The four-set loss to Andy Roddick cost enthusiastic British punters up to two million dollars, with more money placed on the Scot than any other player in Wimbledon history.
"It was the biggest anti-climax of the betting year. Loyal fans are in disbelief and we have escaped what would have been our biggest payout in tennis betting history," said a spokesman from Ladbrokes.
The patriotic punting was reminiscent of the glory days of Tim Henman, who reached four Wimbledon semis but got no further.
"Tim Henman cost British punters more cash than any other sportsman but Murray might just have pinched that unwelcome title in the past few weeks.
"Murray-mania is over for one summer and we have lived to tell the tale but we suspect he'll be back to give us more sleepless nights for many more years to come. His following is phenomenal."
For the final, Ladbrokes gives the edge to Federer over Roddick, with the Swiss a 1/8 red-hot favourite for a sixth title form the past seven years. Three-time finalist Roddick is a 9/2 outsider with Murray 5/2 to win Wimbledon next year.
************************* NOTEBOOK: Scot Murray breaks British hearts =
London - Andy Murray's Wimbledon semi-final exit at the hands of Andy Roddick brought back memories of Tim Henman's four unsuccessful attempt to reach the final during his career.
"Different Brit, same outcome. There is no end to it," said the Guardian while the Daily Mail added: "Rod's Too Hot For Sad Andy".
The Daily Express put the boot in with its headline, "Murray Mauled." Other tabloids said the Scothad "broken the hearts of a nation."
Murray's Sottishness came up as an issue again for the Dunblaine-born 22-year-old. But for the Financial Times that would only be a problem in one rare instance.
"The English will wish to ensure that the Scots don't declare independence before then and turn Murray into yet another foreign winner."
Britain last had a men's champion in 1936 through Fred Perry while the last man to reach the final was Bunny Austin two years later.
