Ladbrokes Lowdown - Aus Open Men's Semis

A Final Fling For Federer?

LADBROKES punters have rallied behind Roger Federer backing the Swiss master to upset hot favourite Novak Djokovic for a shot at an 18th grand slam title.

Make no mistake, many still believe the Serb will be too strong for the Fed-Express and they stand to be rewarded accordingly, but the number three seed has shown enough pluck at Melbourne Park for some smart punters to snap up the $3.40 currently being offered by Ladbrokes.

“Prior to the start of the tournament and even in the opening days, it was all just one way traffic for Djokovic but as we reach the climax, they’ve come for the others,” Ladbrokes Head of Media Roger Oldridge said.

Djokovic started his title quest a raging $1.67 favourite and has firmed to $1.57 in the 10 days since.

Federer was considered a $15 shot and, with just he and three others remaining, is now $5.50 to lift the trophy.

“He is actually now a worse result for us than the Joker,” Oldridge said.

“Obviously some of that is his bigger price but there has also been no shortage of support both straight out and through multis.”

Of the remaining four, Andy Murray is the 2nd favourite having moved into $5 from his opening price of $7, while surprise semi finalist Milos Raonic remains the outsider at $11, having opened $51.

One punter in particular is hoping Djokovic salutes yet again, having taken the Djokovic/Serena Williams double for $10,000 at $7.50 to win $75,000.