US Open
The US Open at Flushing Meadows began this week and I am backing Andy Murray to win the third major of his career and his second here. He comes into the tournament having had a good year. His recent win in the Rogers Cup where he beat world number one Novak Djokovic in the final will give him great confidence as that was the first time he has beaten Djokovic since winning Wimbledon in 2013.
He loves playing on the hard courts here at Flushing Meadows and it really suits his game. He appears a more rounded player this season and is able to play with a freedom that was not always evident in the past. Djokovic of course will be the man to beat again but Murray will in all likeliness have to overcome a resurgent Federer in the semi finals. Federer moved back above Murray to number two in the world rankings recently and is still playing some fantastic tennis. I think as long as things go to plan then Murray may just prove a little too strong for Federer and set up the mouth watering clash with Novak in the final.
Murray is best priced 9/2 and bookies pay 1/2 the odds for each way bets. This is the smart play here for me as we will make a reasonable profit just for making the final and come out nicely on top if Murray lifts the trophy. As of this morning Murray has come through his tough first round match against big hitting Australian Nick Krygios by three sets to one.
The women's side of the draw is again dominated by the presence of Serena Williams who is aiming to win a grand slam of majors in 2015. Already there have been a few seeded players beaten here and that coupled with the withdrawal of third seed Maria Sharapova means that she has a wonderful chance of winning yet another major. It is hard to see someone beating her and it would take a huge loss of form to not win this title. Therefore, at best price 5/6 I still think this offers some value because as long as she stays injury free, she will take all the beating.
Worcester 19:40
The Jonjo O'Neill and Richard Johnson partnership have been prolific so far this season and they have an incredible 54% strike rate. Top Spin had his first run for Jonjo last time out having moved to the UK from Colm Murphy's yard. He was well backed that day and finished a staying on second place so the extra two furlongs here seem sure to suit. He runs from the same mark, so in what appears to be an open race I think he will take all the beating.
Today's Selections
Andy Murray to win the US Open mens - 1 point each way @ 9/2
Serena Williams to win the US Open womens - 3 points win @ 5/6
Worcester 19:40 Top Spin - 1 point @ 7/2