Del Potro looks big value for US Open

SPORTS BETTING: ANDY Murray is just about the best tennis player on the planet.

I suppose supporters of Novak Djokovic would have something to say about that, but the Briton’s dismantling of the Serb in Sunday’s Wimbledon final suggests a changing of the guard taking place.

Murray also beat his great rival in the US Open final last year, but this was something else: a straight-sets victory against a man who doesn’t do surrender.

Surprisingly, Murray can still be backed at 15-8 to retain the US Open title, the next Grand Slam tournament on the agenda.

Djokovic is at the same price, while the injury-prone Rafael Nadal is 7-1 and Roger Federer, whose magical powers seem to be waning with age, is 10-1.

Lurking on the same price as Federer is Juan Martin Del Potro, who was brilliant against Djokovic in their epic semi-final.

A former winner at Flushing Meadows, he could well win the 2013 event if his knee and morale stands up. At current odds, he is much the best value.

As for Murray, he is a shoe-in to be voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year; virtually unbackable at 1-20.

Chris Froome, the Briton currently leading the Tour De France, is 16-1, while England skipper Alastair Cook is 28-1, which is no surprise given an Ashes summer is about to unfold, and golfer Justin Rose, winner of the US Open, is 33-1.

David Beckham is 50-1 fifth favourite — which makes me ask what his achievement, other than retirement, has been in 2013.


RECOMMENDATION: Juan Martin Del Potro to win US Open, 10-1 (Bet Victor, Paddy Power).