Money on Federer to win

ROGER Federer is known for this famous quote, “I fear no one, but I respect everyone” – the words define him very well.

If one thing has changed over the years, it’s his presentation speeches.

He has become a little gracious, of late.

I like his respect shown to an opponent even when result doesn’t favour him.

At the age of 35, Federer is now the bookies’ favourite to take Wimbledon 2017 in his quest for his eighth Wimbledon title.

He superbly beat Andy Murray in the semi-finals in 2015 with a swerving master class, but his main threat is likely to come from his old nemesis, Rafael Nadal, the man who beats him in the Australian Open final in January for his 18th grand slam title.

The duo have shown that being 30-something is no longer a hindrance in tennis.

Federer and Nadal are on opposite halves of the draw at Wimbledon so they can meet in the final.

Nadal was absent last year, while he failed to progress beyond the fourth round in the previous four attempts.

He surged to world number two this year, so it would be foolish to rule him out of clinching another grand slam title this year.

As much as I fancy Nadal for the championship, Federer’s brilliance always gives him an edge over others and I would love to see him winning Wimbledon this year.

However, you count out Novak Djokovic at your own peril.