Roger Federer is still the leader in the futures market for most Slams in 2010.

Roger Federer managed to finish the year as the top ranked player in the world.  However, looking ahead at 2010 you have to wonder where his ranking is going to be this time next year.

Here are Federer's odds to win for the various Grand Slams in 2010:

Australian Open, +250 (5/2), Stan James
French Open, +450 (9/2), Boylesports
Wimbledon, +175 (7/4), Stan James
US Open, +275 (11/4), Stan James

With Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Juan Martin Del Potro, and Nikolay Davydenko all, more than ever, credible threats to Federer, there is no reason to take Federer at short odds.  Of the four Grand Slams the French Open is the only one where the odds might be attractive as Rafael Nadal is considered too heavy of a favorite there.  However, Federer's victory at Roland Garros last year was hardly a cake-walk as both Tommy Haas and Del Potro pushed Fed to 5 sets.

Federer's game is obviously still world class, but it is not unbeatable anymore so it's time to abandon Federer in the future's market.  He's more vulnerable to an early or middle round upset now than he ever has been and part of that is due to aging.

Some people have pointed out, including Federer himself, that his lifestyle has been altered with the arrival of his twin children.  Fathering can definitely have effects on a career but Federer is also 28 years old in a sport that really favors the below 26 years old age group.  Tennis isn't like a lot of other sports where you peak in your late 20's: the peak comes a lot earlier.

Part of the reason Federer is losing more than he used to is because he's getting too old and it may not be long before someone like Marin Cilic has what it takes to eliminate Federer in a key match.

Our recomendation is to only consider Federer for the French Open because that is the only Slam with odds that are reasonable.  However with dangerous and younger clay courters like Robin Soderling, Del Potro, maybe Nadal , and Gael Monfils, there are going to be too many land mines in the field in Paris for Federer to dodge.

Look for Fed's odds to lengthen before you bet him as an outside threat.

Go to Stan James to bet on ATP tennis.