Wimbledon 2016 men’s singles semis: Murray-Federer final showdown looms

Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | July 7, 2016

2016 Wimbledon men’s singles

Murray meeting with old foe Federer on cards

Top two 2016 Wimbledon men’s singles favourites with Coral Andy Murray (odds-on at 4/7) and Roger Federer (3/1) are still on course for a final showdown, though both had to come through gruelling but entertaining five-setters in the quarters.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Marin Cilic respectively pushed the superstar pair all the way, but they’ll be well rested ahead of upcoming opponents Tomas Berdych (18/1) and Milos Raonic (6/1).

Read on for our preview of the two men’s singles semi-finals…

Milos Raonic v Roger Federer

This is certainly the more intriguing of the two ties, as it’s a battle of a rising star aiming to overcome a legend and effectively end his dream of claiming just one more Grand Slam.

Federer (8/13 match odds-on favourite), who turns 35 next month, was given a fantastic chance of finally claiming an unprecedented eighth Wimbledon men’s singles title after Novak Djokovic surprisingly exited early.

The all-time great will also fancy his chances more against Raonic (11/8 for victory) and potential final opponent Murray – both of whom he holds positive records over.

In the case of the former, Federer has beaten him nine times from 11 meetings including at this stage stage in this event in 2014 in straight sets. He is a tasty 3/1 to win 3-0 once more.

But Raonic has certainly improved many aspects of his game since then, while Federer’s ability has slightly diminished, and has added legendary American John McEnroe to his coaching team.

The big-serving Canadian even won the most recent duel with the Swiss earlier this year in Brisbane and looked good against Djokovic’s conqueror Sam Querrey, who he beat 3-1.

This has the potential to go all the way. Odds of 9/4 say that the match will go to over 4.5 sets, while Federer is 5/1 to triumph 3-2.

Tomas Berdych v Andy Murray

In the other semi, Murray should be able to have a much more straightforward match to reach his third Wimbledon final, as he takes on the consistent but not brilliant Berdych.

The Czech has got to a final here before too, in 2010, but it is his only time in any Grand Slam. He has also won six of 14 meetings with the Scot, though has never faced him on grass and lost each of the last four.

Murray is the overwhelming odds-on favourite at 1/7 to win this match, and is a more enticing 10/11 to claim a third successive straight sets victory over Berdych.

In their previous two Grand Slam tussles, the British number one actually came through in four sets, so is 11/4 to do so once more. Berdych, though, took the opening set on both occasions, so back him at 5/2 to repeat that feat.

Although the Czech is now the tournament outsider out of the four contenders, he in fact came through his semi-final with the most ease, as he defeated young Frenchman Lucas Pouille 7-6 6-3 6-2.

It is arguable, though, that Berdych has had a relatively easy run to this stage, with German teenager Alexander Zverev, seeded 24, being the highest ranked player he’s faced until Murray.

Related

You’ll find full coverage of both the Wimbledon men’s and ladies’ singles throughout the championships on the tennis page.

Coral’s top tip: Murray is a brilliant 11/4 price to beat Berdych 3-1.