ESPN Sports Betting’s Bearman, Analyst Gilbert Explain Handicapping A Wide-Open Wimbledon – espnfrontrow.com

SLIDESHOW ABOVE: Since ESPNs first year in SW19 (All England Tennis Clubs postal code), 2003, 15 times the mens winner was either the favorite or the second choice. Meanwhile, for the women (next slide), the champion came from those slots only six times while there were seven occasions where the victor was outside the top five. (ESPN SIG)

One of sports truly special events, The Championships, Wimbledon, began this morning, and ESPN once again is presenting daily marathon telecasts from the suburbs of London while every match not on linear can be seen on either ESPN+ or ESPN3. This weekend, ABC has its first-ever live coverage from the prestigious tournament.

For various reasons including injuries, retirements, and Wimbledons ban on players from Russia and Belarus both the Gentlemens and Ladies fields are wide open. Few in the field have much of a track record there. Trying to forecast who will still be playing deep into the second week is a tough task.

Even the two top seeds three-time defending champion Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek, respectively are no sure things. Hes had a rocky road since losing the US Open final (and a Grand Slam for 2021), and she is only 3-2 in two appearances on the grass courts in London.

Then theres Serena Williams and her remarkable 98-13 record with seven trophies in SW19. But how do handicappers gauge her chances at 40 and without match experience since being injured in the first round of Wimbledon 52 weeks ago?

We use Caesars [Sports Book] and they have Serena at 16-1, which tells you they think shes good enough to win, but they dont think she will, explains David Bearman, deputy editor who oversees ESPN.com/chalk. Others have her at 18-1 or even 24-1.

Its a balancing act, he continues. When shes at her top, shes been 2-1 to 4-1. But they cant justify that this year. But they cant give her too long of odds. What if she wins? Theyd take a bath.

After the favorite, Swiatek, who flew to London riding a 35-match winning streak, theres a big drop off to the rest of the field.

Coco Gauff is the second favorite, but shes way down at 10-1, then theres everyone else, says Bearman.

For tennis expertise, ESPNs sports betting news and information television program Daily Wager, which Bearman works with extensively, depends on Brad Gilbert. BG is the former pro and successful coach who has been with ESPN for 18 years. He makes frequent appearances from the Majors or from his home.

On clay at the French Open, Iga was a big favorite, but here its wide open, says Gilbert, once No. 4 in the world. On the mens side, if you dont think Djoker will win, take a flyer on three to five guys. Bet on an unseeded guy to reach the semis.

Look for players with a good history on grass since the Club no longer adjusts the rankings for grass-court success in making the seeds, he advises.

Watching ESPNs exclusive live coverage of Wimbledon, you will be amazed at Gilberts uncanny ability to recall precise details of matches and players many years ago, as well as his familiarity with todays athletes. In fact, Jamie Reynolds, Vice President, Production who has overseen ESPNs tennis portfolio for many years, calls Brad a tennis savant.

How does he do it?

You know whats funny about the brain? Gilbert asks. Stuff is stored there you dont know is stored there. But when Im asked a question, bang, Ive got it.

Whats the secret to his memory?

For my generation, Google was the Encyclopedia Britannica, the 60-year-old states. You had to remember things. Now, nobody knows any phone numbers.

And how does he stay on top of todays game?

I do my homework, he declares. I go to YouTube. I watch a lot of TV. Doing the qualies [qualifiers] in recent years at the US Open, I see lots of young players. I study players as if I were still coaching.

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ESPN Sports Betting's Bearman, Analyst Gilbert Explain Handicapping A Wide-Open Wimbledon - espnfrontrow.com