The second major of the tennis calendar takes us to the clay courts of Roland Garros. Tennis fans love it when the French Open rolls around, it signals that warmer weather is on the way and the Summer is just around the corner. It also means the best players in the world will be descending on the French capital to battle it out on the tough, rugged clay surface.
Rafael Nadal, also known as the King of clay, is expected to be healthy by the time the tournament begins. However, he was ruled out of the Australian Open and was also forced to miss the Monte Carlo Masters. There is no doubt Nadal will do absolutely everything within his power to be ready for the French Open, a tournament he was won a staggering 14 times.
Here we take a look at the best of the rest of the field, who will sense Nadal’s powers are weakening as he battles constant injuries and the thing that none of us can escape, age!
French Open Favorites
Let’s take a look at some of the favorites as we gear up for the second major of the year.
Carlos Alcaraz (+150)
It is quite something when you consider that Carlos Alcaraz has only actually ever played in three French Open tournaments, a reminder that he is still very young despite everything he has achieved already. Despite that lack of experience, he will enter the French Open as the bookmakers favorite as the current world number two. He has steadily improved on the clay, making the third round in 2021, the quarter finals in 2022 before falling to Novak Djokovic in the semi finals last year. If that arc continues, we can expect to see Alcaraz make the final and perhaps win his first ever French Open.
Novak Djokovic (+225)
Djokovic is at the other end of his career compared to Alcaraz at 36, but the living legend is still the world number one and the reigning French Open champion. He has won 24 grand slam titles, a ridiculous feat and an all-time record, and he has 1095 career wins. The fact is, the incredible Serbian will always be among the favorites no matter what tournament he enters and this one is no different. The only thing that could possibly play in rivals’ favor is they have so many years on him.
Rafael Nadal (+400)
You can’t write anything about the French Open without including the 14 time champion. He has become as synonymous with the clay of Paris than peanut butter is with jelly. Of course, there are big question marks over his health as the event draws closer. The legendary Spaniard is doing everything in his power to be ready before the start. He certainly has the support of his family, as his famous Uncle Toni predicted a 15th French Open victory for his nephew. That outcome would certainly please a lot of the French crowd, who flock to see him play on the clay every year.
*Odds provided by DraftKings & accurate at time of writing
Our Prediction
I’m afraid I’m going to be boring and pick Novak Djokovic to retain his title (225). However, if you are looking for a value bet, I would pluck for Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has a 75% on clay.
French Open 2024 Information
📅 Date: Sunday May 26th to Sunday 9th June
🌏 Location: Stade Roland Garros, Paris
📺 How to watch: NBC Sports & Peacock
