The trio of Zverev, Khavchanov and Mensik were comfortable winners yesterday but 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic was broken multiple times and was forced to come from a set down against Mpetshi Perricard. Today we turn our attention to young gun Rafael Jodar who despite being seeded has drawn a dangerous opponent in the form of Kovacevic. In a blow for tournament organisers, Arthur Fils has withdrawn with injury with De Jong to replace him as a lucky loser.
Shocked to see Daniel Merida, a clay court specialist, getting +5.5 start. Shelton has compiled a 7-4 record on clay this season but 8 of the 18 sets he has won have been tiebreakers and only 1 of them have been by at least a double break margin. That will make it extremely difficult for him to cover the handicap and he would almost certainly need to win in straight sets to do so. That will not be happening as Merida is in career-best form after opening the clay court swing with a title winning run in Bucharest. He will make Shelton play as many balls as possible and that makes him a genuine chance of winning his match outright.
Best Bet: Merida +5.5 ($1.70)
At his peak Carreno-Busta was always a tough out but he is approaching 35 years of age and his body is starting to let him down. He withdrew from the final round of qualifying in Rome only to get into the main draw as a lucky loser. Proceeded to play and won just three games in a loss to Tabilo. A week later went and played a Challenger Tour event in Valencia and won a brutal three set match against Sebastian Baez only to withdraw from the tournament. In the meantime, Lehecka has recent wins over Michelsen and Musetti with his losses coming against Fils and Ruud – two of the form players on clay this season. Let’s not forget that he made the final of the Miami Masters where he lost to Sinner. We should see him roll the Spaniard in this one.
Best Bet: Lehecka -5.5 ($1.80)
There is a new Rafael in town and his name is Jodar. The Spanish teenager has burst onto the scene and is a legitimate star in the making. In what is a very weak draw it would not be a surprise to see him go deep into the second week. That said, Kovacevic was brilliant in Hamburg in a run that included a win over Auger-Aliassime. He takes huge cuts at the ball from the forehand wing and despite having made Jodar a value bet to win the title, there could be some nerves in what his only his second Grand Slam appearance. Like the Overs in this one.
Best Bet: Over 31.5 games ($1.82)
This was supposed to be the battle between Wawrinka and Fils. De Jong replaces Fils as a lucky loser from qualifying and the good news is that we may get to see Stan play an extra match at Roland Garros. Wawrinka lost 7-6 7-6 o Michelsen in Geneva last week and has consistently proven to be a tough out this season. At 41 years of age his movement is obviously starting to let him down but his point construction and that sweet backhand are still in his arsenal. Surprised to see him installed as the outsider here and am making +3.5 the best of the day!
Best Bet: Wawrinka +3.5 ($1.87)
Merida v Shelton: Merida +5.5 ($1.70)
Carreno-Busta v Lehecka: Lehecka -5.5 ($1.80)
Kovacevic v Jodar: Over 31.5 games ($1.82)
Wawrinka v De Jong: Wawrinka +3.5 ($1.87)
Rinderknech v Rodionov: Rinderknech WIN ($1.36)
Humbert v Mannarino: Over 34.5 games ($1.92)
Ruud v Safiullin: Sets Ruud 3-0 ($1.78)
Gaston v Monfils: Gaston WIN ($1.87)
De Minaur v Samuel: De Minaur -7.5 ($1.82)
Spizzirri v Tiafoe: Sets Tiafoe 3-0 ($1.55)
Buse v Rublev: Rublev -1.5 Sets ($1.73)
Cobolli v Pellegrino: Under 37.5 games ($1.82)
Kokkinakis v Atmane: Over 38.5 games ($1.90)
Navone v Brooksby: Navone -7.5 ($1.87)
Nava v Ugo Carabelli: Ugo Carabelli WIN ($1.92)
Cerundolo v Van de Zandschulp: Van de Zandschulp To Win A Set – YES ($1.83)
Van Assche v Kypson: Kypson WIN ($2.05)
Shevchenko v Michelsen: Michelsen WIN ($1.67)
Munar v Hurkackz: Munar WIN ($2.05)
Bautista Agut v Nakashima: Nakashima -5.5 ($1.82)
Collignon v Vukic: Under 32.5 games ($1.87)
Fucsovics v Berrettini: Fucsovics +4.5 ($1.80)
Hijikata v Paul: Paul -8.5 ($1.70)