BEST BETS FOR ROLAND GARROS
For the first time since 1998, the French Open will take place without Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal competing. The former now retired and the latter injured. Take nothing away from the tournament though, the youthful talent is pretty stacked and we could well be about to witness a new star amongst the ranks.
The omission of 14-time French Open winner Nadal has opened the betting to a new favorite, his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz (+130). Already a Grand Slam winner, it’ll be no surprise if Alcaraz wins many more but his odds are short enough and there’s value in betting a couple of his rivals instead.
WINNER: HOLGER RUNE (+750, Caesars)
Just a week older than Alcaraz, Rune’s career is also very much in its infancy. Rune’s rise happened through last year, where his best Grand Slam finish was in this event 12 months ago (Quarterfinal).
The Dane’s clay record is strong enough to suggest a Roland Garros title is within his grasp. In four tournaments on clay this season, Rune has won one and lost narrowly in two finals. Victories over Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud in his most recent event will serve as excellent confidence boosters when he reaches the latter stages in Paris.
The additional sets in France should be an assistance to the youngster as well, removing a little more of uncertainty around his rawness.
WINNER: FRANCISCO CERUNDOLO (+8000, Caesars)
As highlighted by the odds, Cerundolo is clearly more of a risk. Despite his four years on the aforementioned Rune and Alcaraz, he’s a little more inexperienced at this level with only first round appearances in Grand Slams up until this year. His career has mostly been spent on clay though and recent notable match wins suggest he has the capability of serving it up to the world’s best.
Not one to make a situation easy on himself, the five set format could favor Cerundolo when dropping sets, the recent 6-7, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Jannik Sinner is no better example of that.
His one and only tour success came on clay in July last year. The Argentinian lost just the one set en route to the title, and that was to tournament favorite Ruud. Previous to his tour career, Francisco acquired 13 Futures and Challengers titles, 12 of which on clay.
Odds listed from Caesars Sportsbook, as of Thursday May 25.
