NADAL BETTING FAVOURITE TO JOIN LIST OF GREATS

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were forced to wait a further 24 hours before contesting for the US Open crown after persistent rain washed out the evening’s play at Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic was expected to be slightly fatigued following a gruelling five-set victory over Roger Federer the previous evening and will certainly be the happier for the delay. Nadal though is the consummate professional and will not be affected by postponement of what many see as his fate. Should the world number one win this evening’s match then he would become only the seventh man to win all four of tennis’s Grand Slam events.
And if the bookmakers have got it right then the Spaniard will be joining that illustrious list before the day is through. Bet365 are 4/11 that Nadal beats Djokovic and 7/4 that he does so in straight sets, the Serb can be backed at 9/4.
On planet football much of the discussion this morning is regarding Liverpool striker Fernando Torres. In my opinion it is all a bit much to do about nothing. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp had described the Spaniard’s performance as ‘diabolical’ in the aftermath of Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Birmingham and Roy Hodgson responded by claiming that he believed the striker had caused ‘havoc’ when in the Birmingham box.
The main issue here is that Liverpool once again failed to get a result away from home and truly look like a side bereft of confidence and ideas. The Anfield club are now as big as 40/1 with Betfred to win the Premier League, and I doubt that even at that price there will be many backers based on their early season form.
Finally, in cricket, last season’s Twenty20 Champions League runners-up Victoria Bushrangers get their campaign underway today against Warriors. A Victoria side which includes the likes of Dirk Nannes, David Hussey and Brad Hodge are 4/6 favourites to beat Warriors who got off to a winning start against Wayamba on Saturday.