Bodog Beat

Roger Federer meets veteran Marat Safin on Friday. (AI Wire photo)

He's overpowered his first two opponents in London. Now Roger Federer faces his first serious test as he aims to win Wimbledon for a record-tying fifth consecutive time. The 25-year-old Swiss star meets Russian Marat Safin in the third round on Friday at the All England Club.

Safin has beaten Federer twice in nine tries and has won two Grand Slams, the U.S. and Australian Opens, in his career. As Federer cautions, "He's someone who can upset anybody on any day. I hope he's not going to have one of those crazy good days against me". One of those "crazy good days" was his straight-sets drubbing of Pete Sampras in the 2000 U.S. Open final, after which stupendous things were predicted of Safin. They never materialized because of injury and loss of form. But, as Federer noted, Safin can be dangerous.

Tennis bettors should be wary of this match, which has the potential for upset. However, Federer is still a massive favorite and a safe bet if you consider his domination on grass. Federer is unbeaten in his last 50 grass-court matches, including 30 consecutive wins at Wimbledon. If he wins it all this year, he will tie Bjorn Borg for the most Wimbledon titles in a row and move to within two of Sampras' overall record of seven championships.

Top-ranked Federer holds Wimbledon odds of 2/5 to take the crown. No. 2 Rafael Nadal is the 5/1 second choice, but no other man is closer than 10/1 among the betting public.

To read one opinion on why "Roger Federer Can't Match Bjorn Borg at Wimbledon," visit the popular online magazine Bodog Nation.

Other contenders in the men's draw playing Friday include American stars Andy Roddick and James Blake, who have both won their first two matches without ceding a set. Ninth-seeded Blake will face Juan Carlos Ferrero, the 2003 French Open champion, and Roddick takes on Fernando Verdasco, a 23-year-old Spaniard.

Meanwhile, on the women's side of the draw, No. 1 Justine Henin faces 20-year-old Russian Elena Vesnina in a rematch of a first-round test in the French Open, which Henin won with ease. The favorite, Henin's Wimbledon odds are 9/4 to claim the title. Also in action will be No. 3 Jelena Jankovic, who faces 20-year-old Czech Lucie Safarova while two-time champion Serena Williams takes on Milagros Sequera of Spain.

For complete Wimbledon odds, visit the Bodog Sportsbook.