Top Gun or Golden Oldie?

Roger Federer, the best player on the planet, will go for back-to-back grand slam titles next week when he begins the defence of his US Open title on Flushing Meadows. The Swiss is a huge favourite, at 8/15 (1.53), and even though all the best players are in the field it's hard to see past him.

Click here to bet on the US Open tennis at bet365

Quite simply, Federer is the best because he wins when it matters. He has won nine titles this year, including a third consecutive Wimbledon title, and only three men have beaten him in 2005 - Marat Safin, Richard Gasquet and Rafael Nadal. He's won his last 22 straight finals, the real sign of a great player, and with five grand slams already under his belt there's no question he has Pete Sampras's all-time record of 14 at least in the back of his mind.

If he needed any further encouragement, the draw has given him what looks like a clear path through to the semi-finals. Safin, Gasquet and Nadal are all in the opposite half, as are Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, two of his rivals with a legitimate chance to win the title.

Let's take a look at his rivals. Nadal is the second seed in New York and comes in having won his first Masters Series title in Montreal earlier this month. The Spaniard has won eight titles in 2005, including the French Open and he's the one who's really made his move this year. Talking of movement, his is phenomenal, and having had the best part of two weeks off, he should be nice and fresh. He almost beat Federer in the Miami final earlier this year, but it's maybe a year too soon to be talking about him as a US Open champion. At 7/2 (4.50), he's not great value, particularly as Agassi could be waiting in the quarter-finals.

Even at the age of 35, Agassi shows few signs of slowing down and he will be secretly delighted to have been put in the opposite half to Federer. Czech Tomas Berdych may test him early but he should make it through to face Nadal and I would fancy him to gain revenge for his Montreal defeat. That would leave Roddick as his likely semi-final opponent. Only Federer is unbeatable for Agassi, and with a huge crowd support to draw on - and in as good form as he is - 22/1 (23.00) is a massive price.

A-Rod the outsider
Roddick, who's 13/2 (7.50), has been playing well this summer, winning in Washington and reaching the final in Cincinnati, where he lost to Federer. For all his improvement, I don't believe Roddick can beat Federer when it is important, while Lleyton Hewitt, whom he beat in the Cincinnati semis, would also get my backing against him. Agassi, too, would have a great chance.

Hewitt, a 12/1 (13.00) chance, may not be fully recovered from a virus which affected him in Montreal. He is tough to judge, but he usually plays well in grand slams, though he is in Federer's half. Marat Safin, a 16/1 (17.00) bet, is getting over a knee problem but is always dangerous. And though the likes of David Nalbandian at 40/1 (41.00), Juan Carlos Ferrero at 80/1 (81.00) and Guillermo Coria at 80/1 (81.00) can push the top stars, I don't see anything beyond them.

At a push, I will be boring and go for Federer, but with an each-way bet on Agassi to come through the bottom half for one more final.

Cambers' Choice:
Roger Federer to win 8/15 (1.53)
Andre Agassi E/W 22/1 (23.00)

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.