Destroying rivals earns Djokovic share of French Open favouritism

Roger Federer fared better than Andy Murray, but in the end even the great Swiss player’s resistance against a surging Novak Djokovic was futile.

The Serb defended his Indian Wells crown with a 6-3, 6-7, 6-2 victory over Federer. After dropping just five games against Murray in the semi-final, Djokovic has now lost just two matches this season and has won 19.

Such is the Australian Open champion’s dominance in the sport at the moment that as the clay season approaches, culminating with the French Open at the end of May, Djokovic shares ante-post favouritism with Rafael Nadal for the Roland Garros tournament.

Considering the French Open is the one Grand Slam that the 27-year-old is yet to win, while Nadal has captured the trophy nine times in the last 10 years, that is quite a feat.

The pair share a price of 6/4 to win the second Slam of the season, with the difficulty to look beyond the duo indicated by third-favourite Stan Wawrinka’s lofty price of 16/1.

On that basis, choosing the 2015 French Open champion boils down to the two market leaders, but which one deserves an investment?

Djokovic is the clear form horse despite his Spanish rival winning the Argentina Open as recently as last month. While Djokovic continues to dismantle the rivals closest to him, Nadal has lost both his matches against top 10 players this term.

However, the historical record of the two at Roland Garros swings the needle firmly in favour of the 28-year-old headband wearer.

Nadal’s phenomenal 66-1 record at the tournament over the course of his career makes siding with Djokovic very difficult at the prices.

Locating a long-price alternative is a wise strategy, but with 12 tournaments held on the surface before the French Open starts, finding that selection with a better lay of the land is advised.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £25 in free bets.