Andy Murray finished runner-up in the previous two grand slam events this year, losing to Novak Djokovic both times in the final. On Sunday, Murray will get a reprieve from facing Djokovic as he meets Milos Raonic in the Wimbledon final.
Wimbledon 2016 finals odds: Murray betting favorite vs. Raonic in the Wimbledon finals
Andy Murray is just 2-8 in Grand Slam finals, but he can claim his second Wimbledon title in four years with a win Sunday over Milos Raonic.
Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
Murray is listed as a -400 betting favorite to defeat Raonic this weekend at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. Raonic would pay +300 on an upset.
The last grand slam title that Andy Murray won came in London back in 2013 when he finally won the Wimbledon title in front of his home crowd. Murray has enjoyed success this season with a 39-6 record overall and two singles titles, but Djokovic has been a consistent thorn in his side.
With a commanding 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 win over Tomas Berdych in the semifinals, Murray enters this final in the rare position of favorite with Djokovic having already been knocked out of the tournament.
Many tennis fans were penciling in a Roger Federer vs. Murray Wimbledon final, and looking at this tournament as maybe Federer’s best chance at one more grand slam title. But Raonic had other plans, coming back from down two sets to one to upset Federer as a +160 underdog on the Wimbledon betting lines.
At 25 years old, Thursday’s win was the biggest of Raonic’s career, and a breakout season seems to be in progress.
Murray has won each of the last five head-to-head matches between these two players with three of those wins coming in straight sets. The Australian Open semifinal was the closest match between these two of 2016 with Raonic taking a two sets to one lead before Murray eventually won the final two sets to win the match.
Raonic’s last win against Murray came in the Indian Wells Masters in 2014.
All of the pressure will be on Murray in this match. In addition to being a heavy favorite, Murray will also have his home crowd behind him in this final. Murray looked to be in top form against Tomas Berdych, and should win his third grand slam title with his best effort on Sunday.
But if he shows any nerves, Raonic has the tools and the poise to give him a scare.
