POOR Andy Murray. The Scot collapsed under the weight of expectation on his shoulders – and David Jack's money – to lose the Australian Open Final in straight sets.
His defeat to Novak Djokovic was painful viewing but at least he is giving British tennis a chance of ending that 75-year drought.
It's better than relying on Timmy who more often than not turned Henman's Hill into Henman's Hell.
Bookies saved millions with the result and questions are being asked if Murray, 23, will always be a nearly man.
I tend to think he'll get there eventually as Roger Federer gets older and if Rafael Nadal keeps suffering injuries.
In a few years time the major prizes could be regularly fought for by Murray and Djokovic and the US Open, not Australian, is his favoured event while he'll always have a chance at Wimbledon.
Ladbrokes make Murray 7-4 never to win a Grand Slam event and 2-5 to register at least one before he retires.
He is 5-2 with the firm to break his Grand Slam duck before the end of the year and 1-2 with William Hill not to.
Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams said: “Murray's capitulation was great news for us and raises more question marks around his Grand Slam final pedigree.
“His fans remain fiercely loyal but comparisons are already being drawn with Jimmy White and Colin Montgomerie.
“They were always the bridesmaids but never the bride in the biggest tournaments of all and Murray still fits into that unwelcome category.”
Coral make Murray 6-1 to win Wimbledon this year with Nadal 7-4, Federer 9-4 and Djokovic 7-1.
William Hill go 9-2 Murray loses the Wimbledon final and 80-1 he is beaten in the remaining three Grand Slam finals this year.
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
