If you had the insight to wager on Venus Williams’Wimbledon women’s singles title then you were smarter than most tennis pundits and gambling experts. At the opening of the 2007 Wimbledon, Williams had a world ranking of 31 and was not in the picture according to oddsmakers whom installed the 27 year old veteran as a long shot with a +1000 money line odds chalk. For Venus backers, the win equaled a sizzling $1000 paid on a $100 bet. The huge upset had those who thought Justine Henin +200 or younger Williams’ sister Serena +225 would win crying in their towels. Even Amelie Mauresmo, last years winner had a better chance at +850 odds. chances of winning this years
The win didn’t hurt Williams world ranking either leaping her to 21st following her fourth Women’s title at the All England Club and sixth win at a Grand Slam event.
“My Sixth Slam,” a jubilant Williams said following the win. “I want more.” Venus is now tied for second most slam wins among active players behind whom else….her sister Serena with eight.
Venus’ boyfriend, professional golfer Hank Kuehne compared his sweetheart to Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens ability to stay healthy with age.
“Most women in their mid-20’s are winding it down. She (Venus) has awhile to go,” Kuehne said.”
Unlike the women’s singles, the men’s side went as expected with favorite Roger Federer out dueling archrival Rafael Nadal on Sunday to win his record fifth consecutive Wimbledon men’s title. However, for wagering backers, a pre-tournament bet was expensive and hardly worth the risk of the -300 chalk.
With the win, Federer equaled tennis icon Bjorn Borg’s five wins at the All England Club. Borg emerged from the Royal Box and came down to center court to the roar of a thunderous roar from the crowd to cap the event.
