Looking at this year’s French Open, the Men’s Singles seems to be very open, with several players at single-figure prices.
Alcaraz No Ace In 2024
Carlos Alcaraz is the favourite at the time of writing, and he is 2/1 with Rhino. I personally think he’s a little short, and his preparation for this event hasn’t been ideal.
The World Number Three has only played at one tournament on clay this season, the Madrid Open, and he was defeated in the quarterfinals by Andrey Rublev. Moreover, since Wimbledon, he’s only won one tournament, so it’s not like he’s arriving here in peak form. Therefore, I am happy to oppose him.
Age Catching Up With Djokovic
Next up is arguably the greatest tennis player of all time, Novak Djokovic, who’s 11/4 to win his fourth French Open title. It’s clear to see that, despite his stellar career, his best days are now behind him. He’s not shown much since his semi-final appearance back at the Australian Open in the winter, and his best showing has been getting to the semis of the Monte Carlo Masters in April. Again, I can’t trust him at the prices, and he’s not on my shortlist.
Farewell For Nadal?
Rafael Nadal has been the “King Of Clay” in his career, winning a record-breaking 14 French Open titles. He is undoubtedly the greatest player that’s played on clay, but he falls into the same category as Djokovic, with his best days already having been and gone. This could be the last time we see the Spaniard at Roland Garros, so it would be nice for him to go far in the tournament.
Injury Concern For Sinner
When it comes to the most in-form player in 2024, it’s Jannik Sinner. The Italian has already proven he can handle the big stage after winning the Australian Open.
However, there is doubt about his fitness, as he’s been carrying a hip injury, and that has to be a big concern. You don’t want to be carrying a knock, especially at a Grand Slam, where you could be playing several matches that go on for hours, so that’s why I am avoiding Sinner.
Third Time Lucky For Ruud?
The player who stands out to me in the Men’s Singles as a bit of value is Casper Ruud at 9/1. He has made the final of the French Open in the last two years, coming up short against Nadal and Djokovic.
All of Ruud’s best form in his career has come on clay. He’s won nine of his ten career tournaments on the surface. In 2024, he showed an appetite for the surface again, winning the Barcelona Open and getting to the final of the Italian Open. If the Norwegian can get a good draw, I can see him going all the way.
Sensational Swiatek
Moving on to the Women’s Singles, Iga Swiatek is the red-hot favourite to retain her crown. She’s thrived at the French Open in recent years, and this year she’ll be going for her fourth title at Roland Garros. The Women’s World Number one has won her last two events, which have both been on clay: the Madrid Open and the Italian Open. She’s clearing the one they all have to beat.
Sabalenka Can Serve It Up On Clay
Of the opposition, Aryna Sabalenka could be the answer to take her on. She is the World Number Two and has already got off to a flyer in 2024, winning the Australian Open. On the other hand, the Belarusian has been beaten in the final of her last two events by Swiatek. However, if you look at her record on clay, it’s fair to say it’s her weakest surface.
Despite this, I think she’s improving on it, as demonstrated by her two recent outings. Furthermore she recorded her best effort at the French Open last year by reaching the semi-finals. With her consistent record of getting to the latter stages of tournaments, I wouldn’t be surprised to see her win the French Open.
Don’t Discount Collins
Elsewhere, one player who I think could outperform their odds is Danielle Collins. She is currently 22/1 with Rhino. In the last few weeks, she’s been playing well, as she reached the semi-finals of the Italian Open and, in April, won the Charleston Open.
If you look back at her career, she has played well at Grand Slams in the past. In 2022, she got to the final of the Australian Open. It would require a career-best performance for her to win the French Open, but if she could get a favourable draw, I think she could go far.
I will be checking every few days and giving some trebles and accas for the tournament, so hopefully we can have a good couple of weeks.
If you are placing a bet on the French Open, then please remember to gamble responsibly.
French Open Shortlist
Men’s Singles
Casper Rudd (9/1)
Women’s Singles
Aryna Sabalenka (5/1)
Danielle Collins (22/1)
