Novak Djokovic will be a massive favorite in the fourth round in his date with Jan-Lennard Struff, who is finding this year’s French Open as though he’s in a war. Djokovic will look to capitalize on Struff’s tired legs this Monday, but can the German pull off a shocking upset? Or will Djokovic make life rough for Struff? Going into the match, the sportsbook favors Djokovic with -2000 odds to make it through the round, while Londero is priced at +1000.
One hast to wonder whether Struff has enough juice in his wrist and legs going forward after engaging in marathon matches in the tournament. After defeating Denis Shapovalov in the first round, 7-6 (7-1), 6-3, 6-4, Struff had to eke out a 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (4-7), 6-2 victory over Radu Albot in the second round and a 4-6, 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (7-1), 11-9 in the third round over Borna Coric in the third round. For those keeping count, that’s 107 games played for Struff in the last two matches and 139 overall, thus far in the tournament. Fatigue could be setting in for Struff, and for him to shock Djokovic, he’ll need all energy he can summon, which he probably wouldn’t be able too given the amount of action he’s already seen in the tournament. Struff, however, has been victorious in five of his past six clay court matches.
Betting on the Novak Djokovic (-2000)
While Struff has to bleed for his wins, Djokovic is having a relatively easy time in taking down his opponents. Djokovic has to drop a set in the tournament. His latest victim was Salvatore Caruso in the third round to the tune of a 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 win. Djokovic put 69 percent of his first serves in and went scored seven net points on 10 attempts. He also broke Caruso five times, while not allowing his opponent to break his serve in five offerings. Djokovic, 32, is three years the senior of Struff, but he should come with fresher legs into their match in the fourth round, considering the huge difference in usage between the two. Djokovic has met Struff once before, beating the German in Doha in 2017, 7-6 (1), 6-3, back in 2017. However, this is going to be the first time the two will meet on a clay court.
