Novak Djokovic Wins Fourth Wimbledon, Lowest-Ranked Champion Since 2001

Posted on: July 16, 2018, 06:42h. 

Last updated on: July 16, 2018, 06:42h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Novak Djokovic won his fourth Wimbledon title on Sunday by beating a tired Kevin Anderson in straight sets 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (3).

Novak Djokovic Wimbledon tennis odds
Novak Djokovic is back in the winner’s circle more than two years since his last Grand Slam triumph. (Image: Kristy Wigglesworth/AP)

If his name were not Djokovic, the odds of the No. 21 ranked player in the world winning the Grand Slam event at The All England Club would be long. In fact, his victory on Sunday made him the lowest-ranked player to hoist the silver gilt cup since Goran Ivanisevic in 2001 (who was then ranked No. 125 and entered Wimbledon as a wildcard).

Djokovic was the favorite entering the championship match. With Anderson coming off the second-longest Grand Slam match in history against John Isner in the semis, as well as a five-set victory over eight-time Wimbledon champ Roger Federer in the quarters, and many bettors believed Anderson was running on fumes.

Sportsbooks had Djokovic as much as -650 to win over the South African. That means to win $100, bettors needed to risk $650. Conversely, Anderson was at +450, with every $100 wagered netting $450 should he have pulled off the upset.

In the women’s championship, No. 11 Angelique Kerber defeated No. 25 Serena Williams 6-3, 6-3. It was Kerber’s third Grand Slam title, which came at the expense of Williams, a 23-time singles major winner who is returning to competitive play following the birth of her first child.

Williams was the favorite entering Saturday’s finale at -210. Bettors who took Kerber at +175 had little to worry about, as the German easily defeated the American.

Likely Comeback

It was just last month that Djokovic was contemplating retirement from grass.

“I don’t know. I don’t know if I’m going to play on grass,” Djokovic said following his early exit from the French Open.

But he showed up at the most famous grass in tennis in hopes of reaching his first Wimbledon finals since he won in 2015. Sunday was also Djokovic’s first Grand Slam win since the 2016 French Open.

Surgery on his right elbow stalled his storied career for more than two years. He’s back.

“It was a long journey,” the 31-year-old told reporters. “I couldn’t pick a better place … in the tennis world to peak and to make a comeback.”

Now with 13 majors, Djokovic trails only Federer’s 20, Rafael Nadal’s 17, and Pete Sampras’ 14 for most men’s titles.

Trio of Favorites

Looking ahead to next month’s US Open in New York, and Djokovic is the odds-on favorite at +275.

Federer, one of the best hard court players the game has ever seen, is next at +375. However, the five-time US Open winner’s last victory came a decade ago.

Nadal has the next shortest odds at +400. The defending champion has won the major three times. Andy Murray and Alexander Zverev (+800) round out the top five.

As for the women, Williams is the heavy favorite at +300. Kerber is next at a distant +800.