Wimbledon 'biggest tennis betting event of the year'

William Hill has said that it expects betting activity to reach £100 million over the Wimbledon fortnight.

Wimbledon has been described as the biggest betting event in tennis by William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe.

Currently in its fifth day, the fortnight-long competition is apparently popular with sports betting enthusiasts because it showcases all of the biggest names in the game and is also on television screens constantly over the two-week period.

These factors, as well as the fact it is one of the major sporting events of the year, make Wimbledon a "betting bonanza".

"This year [Wimbledon] coincides with the final stages of Euro 2008 and comes to an end in the same weekend as the British Grand Prix, so it's a big betting fortnight," said Mr Sharpe.

William Hill revealed earlier this week that Maria Sharapova was the most-backed female player at this year's tournament. The Russian was knocked out in yesterday's second round match against fellow Russian Alla Kudryavtseva.