Tennis has a long and storied history, filled with epic battles and unforgettable moments. But some of the most memorable events in tennis history are those rare occasions when an underdog defies the odds and emerges victorious. These upsets often represent the most profitable betting opportunities for those with the foresight and courage to back the unexpected winner. In this blog post, we’ll revisit some of the greatest tennis upsets in history, analyzing the odds at the time and discussing the potential profit for those who bet on the underdog.
The 1985 French Open Final: Chris Evert vs Martina Navratilova
The rivalry between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova was among the most compelling in tennis history. In the 1985 French Open final, Navratilova was heavily favoured to win, with odds at around 1/3. However, Evert pulled off a stunning upset, defeating Navratilova in three sets. Those who believed in Evert could have enjoyed a substantial return, as she was priced at 9/4.
The 1991 Wimbledon Quarterfinal: Nicklas Kulti vs Stefan Edberg
Swedish sensation Stefan Edberg was the defending Wimbledon champion and heavily favoured to beat his fellow countryman, Nicklas Kulti, in the 1991 quarterfinal. Edberg’s odds were as low as 1/10, while Kulti, a relatively unknown player then, was a massive underdog at 6/1. In a shocking turn of events, Kulti ousted Edberg in five thrilling sets, providing a handsome payday for anyone who backed the underdog.
The 2001 Wimbledon Fourth Round: Goran Ivanišević vs Roger Federer
In 2001, a young Roger Federer began making waves in tennis. Facing Goran Ivanišević in the fourth round of Wimbledon, Federer was the 4/7 favourite, while Ivanišević was the 11/8 underdog. In a surprising outcome, Ivanišević defeated Federer in five sets, winning his first and only Grand Slam title. This upset yielded significant profits for those who bet on Ivanišević.
The 2013 Wimbledon First Round: Steve Darcis vs Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal, a two-time Wimbledon champion, was expected to cruise through the first round of the 2013 Wimbledon Championships against Steve Darcis, a relatively unknown Belgian player. Nadal was priced at 1/50, while Darcis was a massive underdog at 12/1. In one of the biggest upsets in Wimbledon history, Darcis stunned Nadal in straight sets, providing an enormous payout for anyone who backed the Belgian.
The 2017 US Open First Round: Maria Sharapova vs Simona Halep
Returning to Grand Slam competition after a 15-month suspension, Maria Sharapova faced world number two Simona Halep in the first round of the 2017 US Open. Halep was considered a strong favourite at 1/2, while Sharapova’s odds were 6/4. In an intense three-set battle, Sharapova emerged victorious, rewarding her supporters with a significant return on their bets.
Conclusion
These historic upsets serve as a reminder that anything is possible in the world of tennis. For bettors, the potential profits from backing an underdog can be substantial, but it’s crucial to approach these opportunities with caution and maintain a responsible approach