Things just got a little interesting with the 2016 French Open fast approaching.
Novak Djokovic remains as the clear favorite to win the tournament, but it’s worth taking note of Rafael Nadal’s recent ascension. Those two might just end up renewing their rivalry at Roland Garros. But of course, we can’t forget about the always-dangerous Stan Wawrinka. He’s not the defending champion for nothing.
[sc:Other240banner ]Over at the women’s side, most of the attention’s bound to be on Serena Williams as she prepares to defend her crown, and also grab her 22nd Grand Slam. However, the pair of Victoria Azarenka and Simona Halep should still prove to be the biggest hindrance to Williams’ title defense.
Read on below to get to know more about these contenders—along with their odds—for the upcoming 2016 French Open. And while you’re at it, check out our early odds update for the other two remaining major tourneys this year: Wimbledon and US Open.
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2016 French Open Odds Update — May 2, 2016
Men’s Singles
Favorites — Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka
Could this finally be the year that Novak Djokovic (-130) claims his first title at Roland Garros? Well, that may just be the case so long as the he keeps up his current form.
Djokovic, who brought home this year’s Australian Open crown, has only lost two of his first 28 matches this season. He’s also managed to make it all the way to the finals at the French Open in the last four years. But the Serbian, for some reason, has failed to capitalize on those opportunities. Djokovic lost to Rafael Nadal twice (2012 and 2014), and then to Stan Wawrinka just last year.
Speaking of which, those two—Nadal and Wawrinka—should have a very good chance at pulling off the upset over the world’s No. 1 tennis player.
Nadal, who is priced at +275 to win the aforementioned title, has turned back the clock lately. He’s bagged a pair of titles from the Monte Carlo Masters and in Barcelona, where he convincingly beat Kei Nishikori in the finals (6-4, 7-5). Also, Nadal’s usually at his finest when playing at the French Open. He holds a total of 14 Grand Slam titles, and nine of those were won at Roland Garros.
Wawrinka (+900), meanwhile, will pose as a serious threat to whoever he ends up facing. He’s off to a solid start this season, winning 17 of his first 22 games. More importantly, the Swiss is no stranger to pressure, and especially on clay courts. Wawrinka is 21-8 in his previous 29 games on that particular surface.
Women’s Singles
Favorites — Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka and Simona Halep
It’s been about eight months since we last saw Serena Williams (+125) win a Grand Slam. Her most latest victory happened in last year’s Wimbledon Championships, but that drought could finally come to an end at Roland Garros. She’ll be entering as the defending champion, and will aim for her fourth title there. Williams has gone 13-3 thus far this season, including a pair of finals appearances at the Australian Open and the Indian Wells Masters.
Victoria Azarenka, who is priced at +400 to win this year’s French Open, is surely not going to make the road easy for Williams. In fact, the Belarusian could even surprise her with an upset. Azarenka is off to a career-best start this season, losing just one of her first 25 matches. And during that stretch, Azarenka ended up winning three titles (Miami Masters, Indian Wells Masters and Brisbane).
Simona Halep (+600), meanwhile, has yet to find some consistency. She’s won just nine out of 16 matches this season. A strong finish at the on-going Madrid Masters should give her some much-needed momentum. Halep has a total 11 WTA titles, and is still searching for her first-ever Grand Slam championship. She was even eliminated in just the second round of Roland Garros last year.
