England being trounced in a cricketing test series, two national football teams choking at a World Cup, much-touted stars dropping out of Wimbledon before a ball has even been served, and 10 more putative local heroes being knocked out of tennis’s premier Grand Slam on the first day, it can only mean one thing: Another summer of glorious British sporting failure.
Nevertheless, we can still take delight in cucumber sandwiches, strawberries and cream and the thrill of seeing influencers, stars of yesteryear and the Great and the Good desporting themselves in linen suits and fragrant polka-dotted chiffon.
With over 10,000 people queuing early morning yesterday (June 29) to get into the hallowed All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club for the start of Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the year, hope for many still springs eternal: With vibrant betting markets this year on the likelihood of legend Novak Djokovic adding to his 24 major titles and stirring odds on wildcard Serena Williams, the most successful female tennis player of the so-called Open Era, lifting yet another Ladies Venus Rosewater Dish – to bring her equal to the great Australian Margaret Court’s Grand Slam wins, also 24.
As the commentator noted, “you’ve got to be in it to win it”; so the early disappointment of both British Ladies No.1 Emma Radacanu and former British Men’s No.1 Jack Draper failing to launch, was quickly subsumed by the news of England’s shocking surrender in the series-deciding Third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
Serena’s Back
The big Wimbledon news of course is the return of Serena Williams, making her first appearance for four-years.
Can the 44-year-old American cause a few surprises along the way? Or will age catch up with her? No woman aged over 40 has ever won tennis’ most prestigious title.
The decision to award Williams a wildcard for Wimbledon could be massive, for both commercial and betting markets. Although she is unlikely to add to her eighth crown, her mere presence on grass in Southwest London is expected to trigger a spike in bookmaker activity.
Among the women, the undisputed world No.1, and top seed, 28-year-old Belorussian Aryna Sabalenka is favourite to win the title at odds of +350, with attendant odds of -250 being offered for her to make the final.
Mirra Andreeva
Number 2 seed and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan is currently placing +600 to lift the Venus trophy; while last year’s winner Iga Swiatek, of Poland, the No.3 seed is placed at +900 to win and +300 to make the final.
One dark horse to look out for–at odds of +800–is Mirra Andreeva, who competes as a neutral because of sporting sanctions against her native Russia.
After winning the French Open this year–her first Major–in sensational form, the blond 19-year-old No.5 seed is the current darling of the tennis world and looks destined to dominate the women’s game for years to come.
As for the men the odds on who’ll win, as offered by DK Sports, look far less exciting, with Italy’s Jannick Sinner, the current World No.1, Wimbledon top seed and returning champion being drawn at -165 to retain his crown.
Odds of +600 are being offered on Serbia’s perennial Novak Djokovic lifting his eighth–yes eighth–Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Trophy, while No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev of Germany is being quoted at +900.
Top Prize Money
The prize money at Wimbledon is increasing this year, with both the men’s and women’s champions taking home £3.6 million (US$4.8m), compared to the £3 million (US$3.97m) of 2025.
Bookies and sportsbooks, likewise, are expecting a bumper take.
No doubt it’ll help compensate for England crashing out in the upcoming World Cup quarter-finals on penalties.
Take the shot and watch this space!
With additional reporting by Ross Kilvington
