2009 US OPEN FINAL ROGER FEDERER VS JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO

Blue Square has released their odds for the widely-anticipated US Open final between Juan Martin Del Potro and Roger Federer. Up to this point, Federer has definitely looked head and shoulders above the competition and his 2/7 price corresponds to that. If you think Del Potro is going to pull off the upset, you have a 13/5 payday should he manage to make it happen.

The bookies have set a 4.5 handicap in favour of Federer, who also carries a 6/4 price for a straight sets victory. I personally don't think Del Potro is going to roll over that easily and I could certainly see 3-1 or even a 3-2 victory for Federer being realistic outcomes. Del Potro to win 3-2 pays out at 13/2 while a 3-1 victory would carry a 7/1 price.

Roger Federer is favoured to win the first set at 4/9 odds with Del Potro at 13/8. Federer is also favoured to get the first break of serve at 4/7. Should a tie-break arise, you can back that and get paid out at 8/15 or 11/8 for no tie-breaks during the match.

Federer can be backed at 8/11 to record toe first Hawk-Eye challenge. Del Potro carries a price of evens to issue the first challenge.

I generally find that tennis matches and, in particular, big matches like this one tend to play a bit more towards the strengths of the underdog should they get a solid start within the first few points. I think tennis is a game of momentum, and while Federer is certainly coming into this final with plenty of it, I think if Del Potro can open strongly and make Federer push himself early, then he may be able to pull off the victory.

However, I can't back anyone but Federer right now and I favour a 3-1 margin.