Wimbledon
Will Andy Murray shave?
2011-06-28 15:46
London - Andy Murray's facial hair has become almost as big a talking point as his forehand as the stubble-chinned Scot aims to become the first British winner of the Wimbledon men's singles for 75 years.
Bookmakers are now offering punters various bets on whether the 24-year-old world No 4 will give himself the razor treatment during the tournament or continue down the Bjorn Borg route.
Murray is 4-1 to play Spaniard Feliciano Lopez clean-shaven in the quarter-finals and 14-1 to win the title whisker-free on Sunday.
"Bjorn Borg could tell Murray a thing or two about winning Wimbledon with a beard," Alex Donohue of bookmakers Ladbrokes said of the bearded Swede who won Wimbledon five times in a row.
"It seems to be helping so far and we're offering Murray fans that little bit extra if you think he'll keep it and win."
Murray outclassed Richard Gasquet in front of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on Monday in the last 16 and admitted afterwards the grizzled look might not have impressed the royal couple.
"If I'd known they were coming, I would have shaved," Murray, who met them afterwards, told reporters.
"I was thinking to myself as I came off I was sweaty and very hairy."
Bookies are also offering 10-1 on Lopez blowing Murray's mother Judy a kiss during their match after she nicknamed the heart-throb Spaniard "Deliciano" on her Twitter site during the tournament.