Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal – ranked no. 2 and no. 1 in the world, respectively – are on a collision-course for another French Open clash. But before the Serb sets his sights on the defending champion, he must first take care of this year’s surprise contender, Ernests Gulbis, who is having a breakout tournament after years of under-performing.
No one foresaw Gulbis’ emergence; we didn’t even have him as a possible long-shot in our French Open preview. But he’s one of the last four standing in the tournament, a reminder of how exciting tennis’ biggest stages can be. Creating a betting account and read on to get set to bet on whether Gulbis’ fairytale run can continue past the Djoker.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]
Novak Djokovic vs. Ernests Gulbis, Men’s French Open Semifinals
Although Novak Djokovic has never won at Roland Garros – the only Grand Slam left from his collection – he is definitely no slouch on clay. He reached his fourth-straight French Open semifinal with a straight sets victory over Canadian Milos Raonic, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4.
[sc:Other240banner ]Since his loss to Roger Federer in the semis of the Monte Carlo Masters, Djokovic has now won 10-straight matches on clay. The World No. 2 won the Rome Masters, where he beat Rafael Nadal in the final, in preparation for the French Open. The Serb has dropped just one set – to Marin Cilic in the third round – so far the entire tournament.
Djokovic faces a familiar foe in Gulbis in the semis. Djokovic is 4-1 in five previous meetings with Gulbis, including a quarterfinal win at Roland Garros in their very first meeting in 2008.
Betting on Ernests Gulbis
Long considered a wasted talent, the newly-dedicated World No. 17 Ernests Gulbis is finally living up to his potential as a tennis player. Gulbis won his warm-up tournament at the ATP Open de Nice Cote d’ Azur, his second title of the year and first on clay, before going on his impressive French Open run.
The 25-year old Latvian’s path to the semis is certainly no fluke. He knocked out the legendary Roger Federer in a five-set war in the fourth round, before comfortably taking care of Tomas Berdych in straight sets in the quarterfinals.
Despite having a losing head-to-head record against Djokovic (1-4 from 2008-11), that was a different stage in Gulbis’ career. This time around, the World No. 2 Djokovic will get to face the fullyrealized Ernests Gulbis.
Writer’s Prediction
Djokovic’s quality shines through as he makes his second French Open final in three years. Take the -800 favorite Djokovic over Gulbis.
