Nifty Nadal backers ace the bookies in comeback win over Federer

RAFAEL NADAL’S semi-final win over Roger Federer at the Australian Open cost £50,000, according to Ladbrokes.

There was one-way traffic for Federer as he headed in to the match as the odds-on (4/6) favourite to reach the final. However, at the start of the second set with Nadal a break down, bet-in-play punters started to rally round the Spaniard, backing him off the boards at 100/30 and leaving the firm with a £50,000 headache as he battled his way into the final.

Novak Djokovic (4/11) or Andy Murray (9/4) will face Nadal in Sunday’s final. Although he heads into the game as the outsider, Murray’s favoured at 1/8 to produce the fastest serve and it’s 20/1 he beats Djokovic 6-0 in any set.

Should the Scot make it to the final, Murray’s chalked up at 3/1 to cry on court and 6/1 to propose to long-term girlfriend Kim Sears. The bookies are also sweating on his progress as we’ll refund all losing outright single bets if Murray wins in Melbourne, costing a cool £500,000.

Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: “Punters wanted to be with Nadal at all rates while the comeback looked on the cards. It’s cost us a few quid but he can return the favour by beating Murray if he makes the final.”

Ladbrokes latest betting

Australian Open winner
Novak Djokovic – Evens
Rafael Nadal – 11/8
Andy Murray – 9/2

Semi-final match betting
Novak Djokovic – 4/11
Andy Murray – 9/4

Andy Murray Specials

Who will produce the fastest serve
Murray – 1/8
Djokovic – 9/2

Novak Djokovic to beat Murray 6-0 in any set – 10/1
Andy Murray to beat Djokovic 6-0 in any set – 20/1

Novak Djokovic to beat Murray in a whitewash** – 2,000/1
Andy Murray to beat Djokovic in a whitewash** – 10,000/1

Andy Murray to tweet during the final – 8/1
Andy Murray to tweet after the final – 3/1
Andy Murray to propose to girlfriend Kim Sears on court during the final – 6/1
Andy Murray to cry on court during the final – 3/1

**whitewash denotes a 6-0 6-0 6-0 winning scoreline.**