Roger Federer Surprised As Bookmakers Pick Andy Murray As Australian Open Favourite

World number two and former number one ranked player, Roger Federer has expressed his surprise when told that bookmakers have made the current World number four, Andy Murray as their favourites to win the 2009 Australian Open, starting in a weeks time.CLICK HERE FOR AFederer called the information just a distraction in his effort to win the Australian Open for the fourth time and dismissed the judgement of the bookmakers.He's playing well and finished well last year. But I'm surprised that the bookies say he's the favourite," he said of world number four Murray, whom he beat four months ago in the US Open final."He's never won a slam, it's surprising to hear.""Andy (has) shown for a year that's he's knocking on the door," said Federer, who stand 2-5 against the Scot. "He's playing with good confidence."But winning a slam is a different animal, not many guys have been able to do it. Rafa and I have taken a lot of them. They don't come easy, but he has a chance like many other players."William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams explained: "Roger Federer may think we are mad to have Murray as our favourite but money talks and as of this minute we have five times as much money on Murray compared to Federer. "The biggest bet on Murray is £2,000 compared to £250 on Federer and if Murray wins we are talking about a possible £10million pound industry loss."Andy Murray has become the favourite with the bookmakers in UK and worldwide ever since he won two titles to start the new year, which also included victories over both Federer and Rafael Nadal.Murray is as low as 2/1 to win his first Grand Slam and can be backed on best odds of 28/11 with Canbet and 16/5 at Betfair.Roger Federer is the second favourite with as low as 5/2 with most bookies. He can be backed at his best odds of 14/5 at Betfair.World number one Rafael Nadal is being considered the third favourite and can be backed at 9/2 with Totesport, BlueSquare and 888Sports.Novak Djokovic is next at 6/1 with VC Bet and Ladbrokes.