Federer Continues to Ace US Open Odds

Aiming for a record 16th grand slam victory, Roger Federer continues to lead all comers in the odds as the 2009 US Open enters its second week.

The world number one, who started the tournament at 11/10 odds, has firmed to odds-on favoritism at most bookmakers, with Ladbrokes offering 4/5, William Hill Sports, 5/6, and Paddy Power offering evens.

Predictably, Brit Andy Murray and Spaniard Rafael Nadal are the two main challengers, as both of them prepared for their third round matches on Sunday. Murray's best odds could be found at Ladbrokes and William Hill, who were both offering 3/1, while those wanting to place a wager on Nadal would be best off doing it at Ladbrokes or Paddy Power, who were both offering 5/1.

Following the surprise elimination of local hero Andy Roddick on Saturday, the only two players also in reasonable contention were Argentina's Jan Martin del Potro and Serb Novak Djokovic, both hovering around the 9/1 mark with all major bookmakers.

On the women's side of the draw, the surprising form of comeback queen Kim Clijsters has seen her challenge the Williams sisters for favoritism. The unseeded Belgian, who will face off with Venus Williams in a blockbuster match in the Round of 16, was around sixth in the line of betting before the tournament, but has firmed to as high as 9/2 at Paddy Power.

Venus has been given updated tournament odds of 7/1 at Ladbrokes and William Hill. Sister Serena remains tournament favorite, ahead of Clijsters and Venus, listed at evens by Ladbrokes and odds-on by William Hill (5/6) and Paddy Power (10/11).