For the first French Open since he won the tournament back in 2005, Rafael Nadal isn’t the pre-competition favourite.
Having beat Nadal in the Italian Open, the last even before Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic is the favourite to win the crown.
Despite that stat, it is still hard to look past Nadal at the French Open, where he has won an incredible eight of the last nine years.
The Australian open champions Stanislas Warwinka is the third favourite, before the winner odds become as long as 25/1.
Roger Federer eased through his French Open first round match earlier today, beating Lukas Lacko 6-2, 6-4, 6-2.
Federer’s last major was all the way back in 2012, and the bookies don’t believe that run will end, with the Swiss as long as 25/1.
From a British perspective, Andy Murray doesn’t start his French Open tournament until Tuesday against Dominic Thiem.
Murray’s best at Roland Garros is a 2011 semi-final appearance and few fancy him to match that, let alone better it this time around.
James Ward will make his debut at the French Open, however there is a reason he can be found at 2000/1 and he’ll probably depart to Tommy Robredo in the first round.
Realistically it looks like being between the big two and a repeat of the recent Italian Open final can be found at 5/4.
You want to tip a shock, however I’m afraid I can’t see one this year and would be very surprised if anyone else other than Djokovic or Nadal won the tournament.
A French Open title is the only major championship eluding Djokovic and taking it from Nadal has proven to be a task too much for the Serb.
Although Djokovic is the narrowest of favourites for the French Open, I’m backing the ‘King of Clay’ Nadal!
Best bet: Rafael Nadal to win the French Open @ 6/4 with Bet 365
Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic final @ 6/5 with Bet 365
First round accumulator: Kei Nishikori, Tommy Robredo, Ernests Gulbis, Feliciano Lopez and Stanislas Warinka all to win @ 2.05
Tagged With : French Open • Roland Garros