The race for the men’s singles title at Wimbledon 2022 took a different turn on Thursday after world No.4 Rafael Nadal was forced to officially withdraw from the tournament due to an abdominal injury.Nadal’s exit shook not only organizers and bettors but multiple sportsbooks, as the Spaniard and world No.3 Novak Djokovic were touted as the top favorites to battle for the title.This means bettors who are not betting on Djokovic may have to trust their instincts on world No.40 Nick Kyrgios to play the underdog role, as bookies get ready for Sunday’s final.

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DJOKOVIC THE WISE BET SANS NADAL

Prior to Thursday’s shocking announcement, Djokovic carried -400 odds to win at the All-England Club, followed by Nadal (+600), Kyrgios (+600), and No.9 seed Cameron Norrie (+2500), according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

But with Nadal slowed down by yet another injury, Djokovic’s chances are expected to rise assuming he beats Norrie in their last four matchup and Kyrgios waiting in the wings.Kyrgios will play the underdog’s tag to the hilt, as the Australian is playing in his major final on Sunday.Punters who love the underdog may still come in droves to root for the 27-year-old Canberra native, whose chances could rise if Norrie posts an upset over Djokovic in the last four.

ECCENTRIC KYRGIOS COULD STIR WIMBLEDON VIBES

Controversy is no stranger to Kyrgios, whose eccentric behavior has led to smashed rackets, court meltdowns and accusations of tanking that stirred the ATP tour.Kyrgios’ court antics are not tolerated in his hometown Australia, where Aussies still have reservations despite his march to the Wimbledon final.But sportsbooks still expect a fair volume of bettors to bet on the 27-year-old Kyrgios to make history and claim a breakthrough major title.

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NORRIE UPSET COULD PUT BOOKIES IN DISARRAY

The odds of Norrie pulling off a monumental upset against former world No.1 Djokovic may be unlikely, but an off-day by the Serbian superstar may just do the trick.But with Nadal out of the way, Djokovic may be more focused and avoid complacency this time, as he is touted to put Norrie away and arrange a final face-off against Kyrgios.A Kyrgios-Norrie final may lack the star power of a Djokovic-Nadal matchup. But leave it to the sportsbooks to lure bettors with the unpredictability of betting on who will claim his first major championship.Sportsbooks also take into account other notable players who are acquired in teams involving these players.Key free agent acquisitions provide teams with a solid supporting crew that not only raises their top player’s chances of winning the regular season MVP, but also raises hopes for a deep playoff run.

INJURY DENIES NADAL OF GETTING ‘CALENDAR SLAM’

The injury was heartbreaking for Nadal, who was seeking to pursue his run of winning major titles after claiming the Australian and French Open titles.Nadal was also seeking his 23rd major in what could tie him with Serena Williams with the players with the most titles among the four grand slams.But plans to go for another “Calendar Slam” will have to wait this year for Nadal, who is looking at three to four weeks to recover as he hopes to compete in the US Open in September.

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