Djokovic has chance to make history in latter French Open stages
Published:It takes a man of immense pedigree to be afforded favouritism when competing against Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic’s 8/15 price sees him take that mantle on Friday.
Djokovic is bidding to become only the third man in history, and first in 43 years, to hold all four Grand Slam tennis titles at once.
The world number one is the current Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open champion, but has stuttered into this year’s semi-finals at Roland Garros.
He was two sets to love down to Andreas Seppi before rallying to book a quarter-final spot, and saved four match points against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to set up a semi-final tie with Federer.
Friday’s match sees the two superstars meet at the semi-final stage of this tournament for the second year running, and Federer’s success in last year’s bout may incline some punters to side with him at 6/4.
The Swiss player’s superior head-to-head record (14-11) against the Serbian may also tempt some to get behind Federer, though it is worth noting that Djokovic has triumphed in the past two meetings of the players.
With the incentive of making history here too, the world number one should be fired up to justify his 8/15 price for progression to the final.
Should he manage to do that though, he is likely to face his toughest task yet at the last hurdle.
The other semi sees an all-Spanish tie between Andy Murray’s conqueror David Ferrer, a 7/1 shot, and 1/14 chance Rafael Nadal, who is a six-time French Open champion.
Nadal himself is aiming to make history, as he bids to land a third consecutive Roland Garros triumph, and in turn become the first player to win the French Open on seven occasions.
The pre-tournament favourite, clay specialist Nadal has failed to drop a set throughout the competition, and should have no trouble in powering past Ferrer, despite his opponent recently rediscovering his best form.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
