Wimbledon 2016 men’s singles final: Murray for second success in four sets
Published:
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | July 9, 2016
2016 Wimbledon men’s singles
- The Final
- Sunday, July 10th
- Scheduled on court: 14:00 BST
- All England Club, Wimbledon, southwest London
- Live across the BBC
Murray and Raonic repeat Queen’s clash
Andy Murray is a firm odds-on 1/4 favourite with Coral to add a second Wimbledon men’s singles title and third Grand Slam overall, because he’s already beaten 2016 final opponent Milos Raonic on grass this season.
A 2-1 win in three sets happened in the final of the AEGON Championship at Queen’s Club, which is one of the traditional preparation events for this surface’s tennis Major.
Montenegrin-born Canadian representative Raonic came up short then, so now starts as a 3/1 outsider to record maiden Grand Slam glory at the All England Club.
Thwarting Federer gives Raonic hope
Big-serving Raonic progressed to this first-ever Major final by winning a five-set thriller with all-time tennis great Roger Federer.
Great Britain number one and tournament second seed Murray made more straightforward progress, beating 10th seed Tomas Berdych 6-3 6-3 6-3.
The first set at Queen’s between these finalists went to a tiebreak, and odds of 6/4 say the opener will do so again.
Raonic can take a set off Murray
That went Raonic’s way and he is 5/1 to draw first blood by the same 7-6 scoreline, or a safer 7/4 to record any winning result in the opening set.
Murray got few opportunities early on to break that huge serve, so he will have to capitalise on every chance which comes his way.
Five successive victories over Raonic do put the onus on Murray to deliver in style in front of an adoring Centre Court crowd, but as ever the Scot is managing expectations.
Four sets should be score
“Obviously to make a Wimbledon final is a good achievement and I’ve got one more to go on Sunday,” Murray said following his semi win. “The older you get, you never know how many chances you’re going to get to play in a Grand Slam final.”
And this does represent the best chance Murray is likely to get, though the path to a second Wimbledon triumph looks like anything but plain sailing for him.
Siding with victory in four sets gives rampant Raonic’s run to this point the respect it deserves, but also reflects the greater big match experience of Murray at 5/2.
Related
Coral’s top tip: Murray to beat Raonic 3-1 at a fine 5/2 price makes sense for the 2016 Wimbledon men’s singles final.
