Betfair Official Blog

Safin hails unbeatable Federer

Marat Safin has backed Roger Federer to secure the Wimbledon crown again after he was comfortably beaten in straight sets on Friday.

The Russian, who does not favour grass, was still expected to provide the first real test for the world number one and reigning Wimbledon champion, but that did not materialise as the Swiss star powered his way to a 6-1 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory.

The third-round clash did not get started until late on Friday, but Federer only required one hour and 39 minutes to send Safin packing. It could have been all over a lot sooner had Federer not been taken to a tiebreak in the third set, having blitzed his opponent in the first two.

Following his 51st straight win on grass, which sets up a last-16 meeting with German Thomas Haas, Federer said: "I knew the danger against Marat.

"I don't know if I played phenomenal. I just played the right way. I kept the ball in play, served well when I had to and neutralised him from the baseline.

"I expected him to serve well in one of the three sets and he did in the third but by then it was too late and obviously I played a great tiebreak."

Meanwhile, Safin could only heap praise on Federer and cannot see anybody capable of defeating him at SW19 this summer.

The former world number one said: "I don't see anybody who can hurt him. No one has enough weapons to beat him on grass."

Punters appear to be of a similar mind to the Russian Safin as Federer is an overwhelming 1.36 favourite for glory at the All England Club and to emulate the great Bjorn Borg with five successive men's singles titles.

World number two Rafael Nadal is next best in the market at 9.6, with Andy Roddick - a potential semi-final opponent for Federer - at 20.

Those who fancy Haas to spring the shock of all shocks in round four can get 24, in a match where 'Federer 3-0' is a strong 1.42 favourite in the set betting market.