From May 25 to June 8, the clay courts of Stade Roland Garros will host the world’s finest tennis players for the 113th staging of the French Open, led by defending men’s single champion Rafael Nadal.
The biggest storyline heading into the tournament is Nadal’s search for his ninth French Open title. After subpar performances recently, can -120 favorite Nadal prove once again why he’s considered as the greatest clay surface player of all time, or will another player from the field capture the coveted Coupe des Mousquetaires?
With Nadal struggling, this is one of the most unpredictable French Opens in recent history, and that means lots of great value for bettors. Get in on the juicy action by creating a betting account now, and read on for everything you need to know to wager on one of tennis’ finest events.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]2014 French Open Men’s Draw Betting Preview
Rafael Nadal’s Quest for His Ninth French Open
King of Clay. That’s what they call Rafael Nadal – and fittingly so. The Spaniard has had a monopoly Roland Garros. Nadal has won all but one edition of the French Open since 2005, losing only to Robin Soderling in the fourth round back in 2009. When he beat David Ferrer at the 2013 French Open, Nadal became the first player to have ever won eight championships at the same Grand Slam tournament. This year, he’ll have a shot at breaking his own record.
However, Nadal has not been in his vintage form of late. Last April, he lost at the Barcelona Open, the first time in 10 years that he hasn’t won an ATP World Tour event in April. It was followed by a win in the 27th ATP World Tour Masters in May, in a narrow victory over 24-year-old Kei Nishikor.
By anyone else’s standards, it’s still been a strong season for the Spainard, and the man is still a heavy -120 favorite to come away victorious. Nonetheless, by Nadal’s standards, the weaknesses are beginning to show.
Roger Federer’s Chase for Another French Open Title
[sc:Other240banner ] Roger Federer remains a force to be reckoned with at any tournament on any surface. Although the Swiss great only has a solitary French Open title, Federer nevertheless owns an impressive 58-13 record at Roland Garros. If Nadal’s troubles would catch up on him at the French Open, Federer’s chances of nailing his second title at the Roland Garros would certainly grow. Federer is priced at a valuable +900 to win the championship.
High Value Picks: Roger Federer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Kei Nishikori
At +900, Federer offers a good bang for the buck for bettors looking for other players to back aside from Nadal and second favorite Novak Djokovic (+175). Still, it’s not impossible all three players suffer upsets. Nadal hasn’t looked convincing in recent tournaments, even in wins; Djokovic is coming off a wrist injury he suffered in Monte Carlo; and Federer, though still dangerous, is no longer the same tennis demigod, who used to thump foes almost at will.
This leaves the door slightly open for the likes of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (+4,000) and Nishikori (+5,000). Tsonga reached the semis last year at Roland Garros, while Nishikori was last seen giving Nadal a run for his own money at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Madrid, where he finished as runner-up to the world no. 1 player.
Long Shots: Fabio Fognini, Gael Monfils
Fabio Fognini and Gael Monfils are both priced +10,000. These are young, skilled players, that could benefit from a number of top players going down as the tournament progresses. In a year of falling favorites, it may be the perfect time to back a dark horse.
Writer’s Prediction
Rafael Nadal will show he still has what it takes to win high-stakes matches at the French Open, but will be beaten in the later rounds as the tournament wears him down. With the door open, world No. 13 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (+4,000) will make a run and beat Federer in the finals after the Swiss national beats a hurting Jokovic in the semis.
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