Posted on 5/23/2007 5:32:36 PM

Bet On Tennis – French Open Odds

By Nila Amerova

Before last week’s ATP Master Series in Hamburg, Roger Federer was on his worst run since becoming World No. 1 in February 2004. Going four major tournaments without a title, Federer’s perch on top of the tennis world seemed almost precarious.

Just to punctuate that point, a meeting at the Masters Series Final in Hamburg with clay-court King Rafael Nadal, who was on an 81-clay-match winning streak spanning over two years, appeared to spell doom for the slumping Federer. Particularly with all tournaments at this point leading to next week’s French Open - the only Grand Slam title to elude Federer in his impressive career – a loss in Hamburg would have almost ruled out Federer’s chances on the red clay courts of Roland Garros.

But, in what could be interpreted as a turning point, Federer battled back from a set down to a 2-6, 6-2, 6-0 victory over No. 2 Nadal; simultaneously ending Nadal’s two-year winning streak and his own two-year drought on clay.

With the tides turning at this crucial stage, the impact on the odds for the French Open that starts on Monday May 28th is significant.

The victory in Hamburg was most likely more important for Federer than the loss was to Nadal. In fact, the loss may serve to Nadal’s advantage. If there is one thing that is sure about winning streaks, it is that they invariably have to end. The end of Nadal’s winning streak may very well be a relief, as it can bring its very own pressure.

With the weight of the winning streak off of his shoulders, Nadal can look forward to next week and a possible hat trick in Paris. As the two-time defending champion, Nadal is still the favorite with oddsmakers. Tipped at -250 to win the French Open outright, Nadal is a good play for the bettor to make it all the way to the final round.

 

Federer, who is better on hard court and grass, sits at +225 to win the French Open outright. This should come as no surprise for, despite his struggles on clay, Federer has dominated the ATP ranks for over three years.

With a career record of ten Grand Slam titles and 48 singles titles, there can be no doubt that Federer plays in a league of his own; it is by virtue of his domination of the sport itself that makes him a good play in Paris.

If the odds are any indication, with Nadal at -250; Federer on his heels at +225; and the rest of the playing field tipped at well over +1000, we will likely have a Federer vs. Nadal rematch to look forward to at the French Open Final.

Andy Roddick (+6000), Andy Murray (+2800) James Blake (+9000) and even Nikolay Davydenko (+2800) are long shots to win the French Open outright. Roddick is not a big fan of clay; Murray is struggling with injuries; and both Blake and Davydenko are in a slump.

By comparison, Novak Djokovic (+2000), Guillermo Canas (+1400), Richard Gasquet (+2800) and Fernando Gonzalez (+2800) offer considerably better value for the bettor.

While there is still a gulf between them and the oddsmakers’ favorites, they are good bets to make a deep run into the tournament - at the very least to the quarterfinal or semifinal rounds.

Of course, there can be surprises this year in Paris. Former Roland Garros champions - Gaston Gaudio, who won in 2003 and Juan Carlos Ferrero, who won in 2004 - may have a great tournament and prove to be unlikely contenders at the later stages. Tipped at + 9000 and +6000, respectively, Gaudio and Ferrero may offer great value for bettors in the initial rounds.

Other players that hold value in the early rounds, by virtue of their ranks, are No.16 Lleyton Hewitt, No. 15 Mikhail Youzhny, No. 14 David Ferrer, No. 12 Tomas Berdych, No. 10 Tommy Haas and No. 9 Tommy Robredo.

The first round of the French Open starts on May 28th and is shaping up to be a great two weeks of tennis in Paris. There is much at stake for many, including Nadal, who returns to try for his third consecutive title; Federer, who has never won the French Open title, but improved his chances with the victory in Hamburg; and the rest of the playing field, who will try to rise to the challenge posed by the favorites.

May the best man win!

Federer might be winning everything these days, but with online sports betting in the BetUS.com Sportsbook, betting on tennis has never been so exciting! Join the BetUS.com online sportsbook today and start using the latest tennis lines, odds and props to earn cold, hard cash!

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room