Wimbledon Betting / Andrew French / 10 June 2010 /

For the average British tennis fan Wimbledon is exactly the same every year. That means the British effort will not last to the final and that is where profit may be found says Andrew French

Even if you had no TV, radio or internet, didn't see a newspaper and had no way of being aware what was happening in the world, you'd still know when Wimbledon fortnight was. It's the two weeks when every tennis court in every public park across the land is constantly occupied.

What's more, you'll find kids whacking a tennis ball against a wall or a garage door - even Swingball makes a seasonal reappearance in many back gardens.

Britain's love of tennis comes to the fore during those 14 days, and yet it can't surely be based upon the fact we are a world force in the game. Okay, we have Andy Murray - and we had Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski. But that long wait for a British singles champion - male or female - is now nearing the 40-year mark. I can just about remember Virginia Wade's success in 1977, although it's very hazy - and mixed in with it are memories of when all players drank Lemon Barley Water and played with wooden racquets.

All too often, British interest hasn't lasted beyond the first week. Yet hoardes of enthusiasts flock to Murray Mound (which was Henman Hill previously) in hope of us finally seeing a home win.

I just find Wimbledon all a bit too stereotypical. Of course, the main story of the week will be the heroic British failure. It started with Tiger Tim, Greg took his turn and now Andy is carrying the baton. Then there's the unknown Brit who beats someone much higher ranked (and let's be honest, most players are ranked above the Brits) and gets a splash in the tabloids before referring to type and going out in the next round. The papers will almost inevitably have the chance to lampoon 'the good old British summer weather', and if that leads to a slow news day or two, expect the media to trot out something about the rising price of strawberries and cream.

I even struggle to watch live tennis. Granted, some games are brilliant viewing - but for the most part it's a long drawn our formality for at least the first week. And please, all the grunting and groaning when players hit the ball. What's that all about? You don't hear golfers snarl when they smack down a long drive.

The only thing worse than watching live tennis is trying to follow it on radio. Impossible. The commentators try to stay up with play but - like British hopes - they soon start to flag and even when they are still calling a backhand return the crowd are cheering and you know someone has won the point.

I really hope British sport gets a shot in the arm, and Murray wins on home soil. Heck, imagine that in a summer when we're also bidding to end 44 years of hurt in the football World Cup.

But I can't see it. So I'm all for laying Murray at [8.8], and using my winnings to invest in some strawberries, before I'm priced out of the market.

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