US Open Betting: Murray v Nadal

With each passing Grand Slam the expectataion that Andy Murray will win a major apears to be getting a step closer. This evening, weather permitting, he’ll contest his first Grand Slam semi-final at Flushing Meadow in New York. Many pundits think the US Open represent his best opportunity of bagging a big one but standing in his way is newly crowned World number 1 and somewhat of a nemesis to Murray, Rafael Nadal.

Murray has never beaten Nadal but that doesn’t appear to dent his confidence ahead of the biggest game of his career so far. Whilst Nadal has hardly put a foot wrong all season, Murray has been steadily improving (despite a disappointing Olympics) and Thursday’s quarter-final win over Argentinian Del Potro moved him into the heady heights of number 4 in the world. Nadal’s straight sets humbling of Murray at Wimbledon in the Summer feels like a long time ago now and the Scot certainly has the belief that he can put up a better fight this time round. But with the running score between the two at 5-0 to the Spaniard he has quite a trend to turn around.

Nadal is bidding to become the fifth man to win three Grand Slams in a year following his success in the French Open and at Wimbledon this year. Having never reached the semi-final of the US Open this is new ground for him too but it’s unlikely to phase him.

Both players appear to have a mutually healthy respect for each other and Rafa knows Murray is creeping up behind him. He won’t let his record over Murray lull him into a false sense of security either stating that “Every match is different” – he knows he’ll need to be on his game to reach the final.

As far as the bookies are concerned Nadal is clear favourite. The best odds you’ll get on him are 1/4 at Boylesports, Coral and SkyBet. But Murray has been attracting a bit of money himself and his odds have shortened since Thursday evening and he can now be supported at 100/30 (Bet365, BetInternet, Sportingbet, VCBet, William Hill) which I’m sure will tempt a few patriotic Scotsmen out there.

For me Nadal still has too much in his locker for Murray. I think the Scot will make a real agme of it though and wouldn’t be surprised if he takes at least one set off the World Number One. Nadal to win in 4 sets is best priced at 11/4 with Totesport and I think that looks the best shout with a little saver on a 3-2 win for Nadal at 7/1 (Bet365, Bet Direct, Stan James) too.

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