Defeat for Andy Murray would leave Oxfam quids in

WHILE the nation hopes to see its first British Wimbledon men’s champion in 76 years, one charity could be facing a win-win situation thanks to a bet made nearly a decade ago.

Oxfam is set to collect £101,840 if Roger Federer beats Andy Murray at Centre Court today, after a punter bequeathed a bet made in 2003 to the charity.

Nick Newlife, from Oxford, bet £1,520 in 2003 that the Swiss tennis legend - who then had just one Wimbledon title to his name - would win seven or more. To date, Federer has six titles.

Bookmakers William Hill offered Newlife, from Oxford, odds of 66/1. But he died in 2009, aged 59, leaving his entire estate – including the bet – to Oxfam.

The charity estimates around 12 per cent of its income is from legacies.

William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe said: “Mr Newlife told me he had identified Federer as a future serial winner at Wimbledon and wanted to place a ‘sizeable’ long-term wager on him, which we were happy to allow him to do.

“Although Mr Newlife’s bet runs until 2019, Oxfam could – if they so wished – now place a substantial bet on Andy ­Murray upsetting the odds and winning the final, which would guarantee them a hefty payout regardless of whether he or Federer comes out on top.

“This is one of the most 
remarkable bets we have ever accepted.”

The bookmaker has already paid out £16,750 to the charity from another bet placed by Newlife which wagered £250 at 66/1 that Federer would win 14 Grand Slam events.

William Hill is currently ­giving odds of 13/8 for Murray to lift the trophy, with Federer at 8/15.

The bookmaker says today will be the biggest tennis match in its 78-year history and a Murray win will prompt a £5 million industry payout.