Roger Federer, Serena Williams Wimbledon Odds Still Have Value

Roger Federer and Serena Williams have advanced into the next round of the 2009 Wimbledon tournament.  Their odds, however, remain relatively the same as where they originally opened at the start of the week.

Federer requires a little less than US$200 to win US$100 (and the initial bet is paid back should he win) while Serena Williams would pay out just shy of US$200 for each US$100 wagered.   Venus Williams, by the way, would pay out US$250 for every US$100 bet.

Roger Federer lost a set for the first time this week but advanced to the second week at Wimbledon by beating Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-1.

"It has been a good first week," he said. "Pretty convincing. I thought this was my best match of the tournament, even though I dropped a set. I'm excited about the second week."

Now the No. 2-seeded Federer seeks his sixth Wimbledon title, and he's a heavy favorite with defending champion Rafael Nadal absent because of bad knees.

"It's down to business in the second week," Federer said. "This is where it gets really interesting."

The No. 2-seeded Serena used her penetrating strokes to push Roberta Vinci around the court. One time the Italian scrambled to retrieve a shot in the corner several steps beyond the lines, then stood helpless as Williams hit a winner into the other corner.

"I don't think I played great today at all," Williams said. "I'm just glad to have gotten through it and go on to the next match."

Williams' opponent in the round of 16 Monday will be Daniela Hantuchova, who beat doubles partner Ai Sugiyama 6-4, 6-3. Williams is 6-1 against Hantuchova.

"She's such a smooth player," Williams said. "I have to make sure I don't rush myself, because she is playing well, and I think she's moving well. So I'm going to have to really bring a tough game."