French Open Day 7: Bedene faces daunting date with Djokovic

It’s so far so good for Novak Djokovic in his bid to land a French Open which has so far eluded the Serbian and the world number one’s latest obstacle is Britain’s Aljaz Bedene.

With Rafael Nadal pulling out of the tournament through injury, has that opened the door for the Serbian to finally claim the missing piece of his trophy jigsaw?

Both Serena and Venus Williams are on court too, as round three reaches its conclusion.

Here’s what to look out for…

Bedene to be Djokovic’s latest victim 

Barring a rare and unexpected upset, Aljaz Bedene’s hopes will probably end at the racquet of Djokovic.

The Serbian had a brief spot of bother in the first set against Steve Darcis last time out, but should have too much guile and talent for the Briton in round three.

Credit to Bedene however, who put up a solid fight in his only previous match-up with the world number one, losing 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in last year’s Australian Open. Having spent 18 months since then improving his game, could the Brit nick a set?

Best bet: Djokovic to win in 3-1 @ 5/1

Lopez to struggle on clay against Ferrer

The head-to-head scoreline between Spaniards David Ferrer and Feliciano Lopez reads 9-6 to the former, and despite Ferrer claiming each of the last seven meetings, battles have regularly been close between these two 34-year-olds.

Unfortunately for Lopez, none of those close ties came on the dust as Ferrer has won all five clay court meetings in straight sets.

Best bet: Ferrer to win 3-0 @ 11/10

Ivanovic to continue her Svitolina dominance 

There may be just four spots between them in the ranking, but clashes between Ana Ivanovic and Eva Svitolina have been thoroughly one-sided.

Ivanovic has bagged all eight meetings, dropping just one set.

The Serbian has won all three clay court matches in straight sets too and despite a wobble versus Oceane Dodin in round one, should be able to maintain her vice-like grip in this duel. 

Best bet: Ivanovic to win 2-0 @ 6/4

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