The French Open is going to have a new champion this year. The shocking news of defending champion Rafael Nadal having to withdraw from this tournament opens the door for a new champion.
Nadal has won the French Open 14 times, but the 36-year-old could not enter the tournament due to injury.
Before you continue this preview, we encourage you to check out our French Open betting page for everything you need to know before the Grand Slam starts.
Roland Garros
Roland Garros Stadium is comprised of several tennis courts in the French capital. The stadium was constructed in 1928 to defend the Davis Cup and is named after French aviator, Roland Garros.
The French Open, being the second Grand Slam of the 2023 season, presents a challenge to even the best players due to its clay surface.
This is exemplified by the fact that only three of Roger Federer’s and Novak Djokovic’s 41 combined Grand Slam titles have been won at Roland Garros.
Even Pete Sampras, who ranks fourth on the all-time list of Grand Slam champions, never won a French Open title.
Carlos Alcaraz is an up-and-coming young player. After a hand injury took him out causing defeat in the Miami Open he was forced to pass on Monte Carlo to recover.
Alcaraz had dominated Indian Wells after winning the Australian Open. He also just won the Madrid Open, his seventh victory on clay.
Alcaraz has an impressive match record going 30-3 this season, with a 20-2 record on clay.
He is the sport’s future; Nadal and Djokovic are over 35, while Alcaraz is 20. This could be the start of the changing of the guard. I am betting on it.
I recommend betting on Carlos Alcaraz to win the 2023 French Open with the best odds at +140.
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Novak Djokovic
Djokovic is always in the running to win a major. He has struggled on clay so far this season. Although he was recently upset at Monte Carlo, he has a strong history at Roland Garros.
Djokovic has won at Roland Garros twice (2016 and 2021), both times he defeated Nadal. He has made the quarterfinals or better every year since 2010.
Father Time seems to be getting the best of Rafael Nadal, and it feels like Djokovic is next. Djokovic is 36 years old and is playing well past his prime.
I would not recommend betting onNovak Djokovic at +210 odds. He may be priced as one of the favorites, but I don’t think he will win this time.
The 20-year-old Rune has played well lately, reaching the finals of the Monte Carlo Masters and Italian Open. He has defeated established pros like Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev, causing him to rocket up the ATP rankings.
He reached the quarterfinals of the 2022 French Open and has only improved since then. It’s easy to understand why he has the third-best odds at +600 on BetUS.
I would not recommend betting on Rune to win the 2023 French Open outright.
He needs to make a major before I would recommend betting on him to win the 2023 French Open.
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Tony is a pro sports journalist who dedicates most of his free time to watching the latest matches and games on TV. Tony enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and basketball when he's not participating in sports-related activities or seeing his friends.
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