The worlds of men’s tennis and women’s tennis are very different right now – and not just in terms of attire.

The men’s side is completely dominated by the triumvirate of the best-ever (Roger Federer), the best-right-now (Rafael Nadal), and the best-this-year (Novak Djokovic), with lanky brit Andy Murray fruitlessly trying to crash the party.

The women’s side, on the other hand, is about as predictable as a WWE pay-per-view.

The first week of Wimbledon threw this difference into sharp relief, as all but one of the women’s favourites were bounced, while the usual quartet of men advanced without much trouble to the quarters. In a way, it’s like comparing the NBA playoffs – where the cream tends to rise to the top – to the NHL, where a hot goalie can take a 7- or 8-seed a long way.

Whether you prefer the familiar, predictable battles of the men’s side or the anything-goes nuttiness of the women’s, this week should feature plenty of intrigue at the All-England Club.

Gentleman’s Singles

While it’s often hard to make a case for anything other than Nadal-Djokovic final, there are a few elements that could upset the natural pecking order. Namely, Rafa’s aching foot, Djokovic’s struggles on grass, and Roger Federer’s absolute dominance of the first few rounds. He’s been so in control that it’s looked like he’s hardly even trying, just saving his energy for the final matches.

The quarterfinal fodder features a couple guys with a frustrated country’s hopes on his shoulders – Mardy Fish, playing in his first quarterfinal at Wimbledon, would be the first American men’s champion since Pete Sampras in 2000, while 18-year-old Australian phenom Bernard Tomic would be the first champion from down under since Lleyton Hewitt in 2002.

Finals pick: Roger Federer over Rafael Nadal

Ladies’ Singles

It’s an All-European draw in the ladies’ quarters for the first time in 98 years. Eight different countries are represented, with Russia’s Maria Sharapova, currently ranked sixth by the WTA, as the only previous champion still in the mix. France’s Marion Bartoli played what she called the best match of her career against Serena Williams to make the quarters and comes in with a lot of momentum. Still, this tournament is totally up for grabs.

Finals pick: Victoria Azarenka over Marion Bartoli

Legend sports book has the odds up for the French Open and while most people are focused on MLB betting, NBA betting, NHL betting, their NFL betting guide, college football betting advice, or whatever else that is on the radar, they may have missed the fact that the French Open has begun in Paris.

The action got underway on Sunday and while most people who bet tennis know that the first day is a fairly easy one when it comes to sports betting lines, it was still a fun day as Venus Williams advanced rather easily.

Williams disposed of Patty Schnyder 6-3, 6-3 to get her run at Roland Garros started. While she had a smooth opening round, some other female seeds didn’t.

No. 10 seed Victoria Azarenka lost in the opening round to Gisela Dulko while No. 20 seed Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez lost to Akgul Amanmuradova.

Thank you for this, TMZ. Thank you, thank you.

Okay, so Rafa may be ranked, er, third (Mopey Murray with second-best odds of +297?? say whaaat?) to one Mr. Roger Federer when it comes to US Open betting. This is probably due to Nadal being plagued with knee injuries as of late, which are only gonna give him more trouble on the hard court at Flushing Meadows. But look at it this way: when you’ve got guns this impressive, who needs knees? Seriously.

All else aside, if you’re going to do some serious online betting on the US Open, it’s really hard to ignore Federer’s odds (yes, even while distracted by Nadal sexiness). Roger Federer to tennis is what Tiger Woods is to golf – well, minus Tiger’s last dismal showing – and this is just one more stop before his 16th Grand Slam. Of course, it’d be pretty interesting to see someone like Djokovic (+1700) or Roddick (+1350) come from behind for a surprise victory, but unlike Mr. Woods, Federer looks to be on a solid one-man rampage through the ranks of tennis betting lines. Pick Federer to win the US Open, then keep your fingers crossed I can go offer a post-match massage to Rafa.

Just so long as he showers first.