Djokovic out to stop Nadal claiming 10th French Open title

Novak Djokovic goes in as the French Open favourite perhaps for the first time ever, odds-on at 8/11 with Coral, due to his total dominance in the Men’s game as he sits firmly on top of the world rankings.

The Serb has already claimed eight Grand Slam titles during his career, but the Roland Garros tournament is the only one of the four major trophies to elude him.

Djokovic has reached the final twice at the French Open before, in 2011 and last year, but now has the best chance of any to triumph, following his recent victory at the Rome Open after a week off.

If he does fail yet again to win in Paris, at least he will be in good company of other former greats that never lifted this trophy, such as Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg as well as women’s stars Venus Williams, Martina Hingis and Virginia Wade.

One man who certainly knows how to boss the courts at the French Open is ‘king of clay’ Rafael Nadal, who is aiming for a mammoth 10th title here or, to borrow from his favourite football team Real Madrid, ‘La Decima’ (as it is known in his homeland Spain).

Although Nadal fell short at the recent Madrid and Rome Masters events, he has looked in good shape after returning from his recent spell out injured, and is a tempting 10/3 shout as second-favourite here.

Andy Murray may even be a surprise contender, as the Scot is in the form of his life on clay, having recently won his first two tournaments on the surface, at the German Open and then Madrid Masters.

Having reached the semis in Paris last year, you can back the British hope at 15/2 to go two steps further and claim his third Grand Slam.

All-time great Roger Federer, a winner here in 2009, will have something to say, though, as he continues to defy his age and reach finals. The Swiss 17-time Grand Slam champion is a longer 20/1 chance.

Other outside shouts in the Men’s draw include US Open finalist Kei Nishikori (14/1), 2013 Australian Open winner Stanislas Wawrinka (25/1) and David Ferrer (33/1), another Spaniard.

In the Women’s section, meanwhile, double champions of this event Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova top the market at 11/4 and 4/1 respectively. The latter has been in better form of late, winning the Rome Open, so may be a better bet to take.

Romanian star Simona Halep will be hoping to gain her first Grand Slam, and is a slightly longer price at 5/1, while the likes of Victoria Azarenka (8/1), Petra Kvitova and Rome Open finalist Carla Suarez Navarro (both 11/1) are also outside chances.

Betting tip: Rafael Nadal wins French Open @ 10/3