It’s Grand Slam time in tennis as the French Open gets underway and Couch Critic takes a look at the odds and provides his best bets for the Mens and Ladies Singles.
Is there any reason to look past the King of Clay at Roland Garros?? Many will say that there is just no money to be made by opposing the all-time French Open record holder. Raphael Nadal has however shown less form in the build up to this main even – winning in Rome but bowing out in the Semis in Madrid, Barcelona and Monte-Carlo (tournaments he usually dominates).With 11 Roland Garros Grand Slam trophies in his cabinet it would be a brave man to back against the Spaniard though.
Betting wise I’d consider myself a brave man so, Novak Djokovic is where I’m going. The Serb has won a Grand Slam in each calendar year since 2011 barring 2017. He “only” has one French Open Title to his name but went Finalist, Finalist and Winner between 2014 and 2016. Importantly, Djoker is now on a three-slam run having won Wimbledon and the US Open in 2018 and the Aussie Open earlier this year. A win at Roland Garros will mean he is the holder of all four Slams simultaneously (a feat he managed over 2015/16 as well). He may have lost to Nadal in the Madrid Final but I think Novak has a realistic chance of dethroning the King.
Whilst the Men’s side of the draw seems to be pointing toward a two-horse race, there is much more opportunity for some upsets when the women do battle. Of course, the volatility experienced here means there is an opportunity to back someone at a good value price!
Serena Williams
Has the mystical 24 career slams record hanging over her head since winning the Aus Open in 2017. Fell at the last hurdle on two occasions in 2018 but has been anonymous in 2019 due to injury. She is in a league of her own when on top form but there are others in hot form who deserve your money more than Serena – I don’t see her getting to the final on this occasion.
Naomi Osaka
Clay hasn’t been her most successful turf. The US &Aus Open Champ also withdraw from action in Rome due to an injury scare. For mind there is better value to be had elsewhere.
Simona Halep
One of the most consistent woman on clay in the recent past. Losing finalist at Roland Garros in 2017 and champion in 2018. There is 2019 form with a finals loss to Bertens as evidence.The world number three might have been knocked out in the first round in Rome but she is rightly seen as the favourite here. Given the volatility seen in Woman’s tennis the 4/1 odds on the defending champ is just a touch too short for me.
Kiki Bertens
The hottest property in the WTA’s 2019 clay court season. Semi-final at Stuttgart, winner in Madrid and another Semi-final in Italy. Importantly the Dutch Dame has tasted success over the likes of Kerber, Halep, Petra Kvitova and Sloan Stephenson the orange stuff over the past few weeks so she shouldn’t be phased by the challenge which awaits her.
BETOLIMP Bets for the French Open
Men’s Winner: Novak Djokovic @ 3.00
Women’s Winner: Kiki Bertens @ 8.66
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
