Today the AP tennis rankings were released for the upcoming Wimbledon tournament. Fans participating in tennis betting were completely caught off guard as current number one seed Roger Federer, despite recent struggles, has remained as the top ranked player in the world. Similar to Tiger Woods in any professional golf tournament, Federer's reputation, has allowed for him to hold the prestigious honour of number one seed. After an early exit at the French Open, many fans and experts betting on the rankings for Wimbledon expected Federer's arch rival Rafael Nadal to be named the top seed. Even though he was injured for most of last season, Nadal has proven to both fans and critics that he is back in top form, as he captured the French Open tournament last month. As a former grand slam champion, Nadal holds the highest odds at winning this year's Wimbledon regardless of ranking. Aside from the top two seeds of Federer and Nadal, fans should also keep their eyes on tennis stars Robin Soderling, the runner up for the last two French Open's and Andy Murray and Andy Roddick two other great stars. Additionally, on the woman's side of things, if the French Open is any indicator, Wimbledon should also have many upsets. Stars such as the Williams sisters and Justine Henin, will be joined by up and comers Samantha Stosur and Francesca Schiavone, the two finalists at Rolland Garros. Tennis betting is becoming more unpredictable as the talent pools grow greater, and the sport is no longer dominated by the top two seeds for each gender. After the brackets are determined on Friday June 18th, the tournament begins June 21st, with the final on July 4 th.
Soderling Gets Revenge On Federer At French Open Yesterday Robin Soderling shocked the tennis world as he defeated defending French Open champion Roger Federer in their quarter final matchup. Federer had the best French Open betting odds to repeat as champion, as he has been dominant on the clay court in years past. Fans frequently participating in tennis betting, should not be surprised that Soderling was able to defeat the top seeded Federer, as prior to facing Federer in the finals last year, he knocked off then top seed Rafael Nadal also in the quarter finals. With Federer out and Nadal having yet to play his quarterfinal matchup, one can hope that this year's men's final will be a rematch of last year's quarter final between Soderling and Nadal. If Soderling is able to claim his first French Open title, he may be able to move up from the fifth overall seed to third. For Federer, the loss in yesterday's quarter final continues his struggles within the last two months, as he has only won one tournament, while being defeated in three. As well, the loss to Soderling, marked the first time in six years that Federer has not at the very least gone to the semi-finals. Stosur Knocks Off Another Giant Women's seventh seed Samantha Stosur continues to look stronger after each match she has played at this year's French Open. On Tuesday, two days after defeating the legendary Justine Henin in straight sets, Stosur proceeded to pull perhaps the biggest upset of the tournament as she defeated top seed Serena Williams in quarterfinal action. By knocking off two favorites to win the championship, Stosur has gone from an underdog to the best odds at winning the French Open.
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Tuesday night was supposed to be the coming out party for the new online betting Nets owner. As can be the case when things are left to chance, the 2010 NBA draft lottery prevented things from going as planned. Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov was on hand to represent his new team officially, for the first time at an NBA event, and expected to open his tenure as owner with the celebration of getting the number one pick. After finishing with the worst record in the NBA betting a year ago, and coming close to setting a new all-time low wins mark, the Nets were the online sports betting favorite to win the draft lottery with a 25% chance. The eventual winner however was the Washington Wizards, who secured the number-one pick despite having just a 10.3% chance. Suddenly the swagger of the smooth-talking, swagger -ridden star of the show had disappeared. In fact, New Jersey fell all the way to the number three pick in the draft, as the Philadelphia Sixers moved up to second. No longer would they have a shot at either of the top-two expected picks, Kentucky freshman John Wall, and the National Player of the Year award winner Evan Turner. Prokhorov was cool about the situation afterwards, noting that one player does not mean that his team will not be able to compete, however, a quick look around the NBA betting standings would reveal just how important the individual is to the team, with the likes of Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Steve Nash all leading their teams to the Final Four in this year's playoffs.
Seattle Mariners designated hitter Milton Bradley was furious after being benched by manager Don Wakamatsu after the sixth inning of their online betting loss to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Tuesday night. The clean up hitter stuck out twice while going 0-for-3 batting cleanup, including his last at bat, which was a bases loaded strike out in the sixth inning. Bradley supposedly left the stadium before the game even ended, the loss making it four straight for the Mariners. The former All Star has struggled this season in Seattle, including his 1-for-22 mark to open the season. There was optimism that the Mariners would be a much-improved team this year with the additions of Bradley, Cliff Lee, and former Anaheim Angels infielder Chone Figgins, but the team has struggled to an 11-15 MLB betting online record to open the season, which is worst in the AL West. The fact that Bradley is clearly upset about his role with the eighth team he has played for in the past nine years is just one more reason why Seattle needs to be worried so early on in 2010. Things have gone downhill for the Mariners in a hurry, and after Ken Griffey Jr. swung over a pitch in the sixth inning while the team was trying to rally, the crowd at Safeco Field voiced their disappointment with booing. The crowd of 14, 589 is the second-lowest at a home game for Seattle in the stadium's 10-year history.
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