Tennis: The French Open - Betting Odds and Tips

The French Open - Betting Odds / Tips

Grand Slam 2 – Mid May > Early June

Officially named Les Internationaux de France de Roland Garros(the "Tennis French Internationals of Roland Garros), the French Open is named after the Stadium that hosts it which is, in turn, named after the First World War pilot Roland Garros. It is the second of the Grand Slam tennis tournaments and is held in mid-May and early June.

The event was first played, as a national tournament in 1891, when it was only made available to players licensed in France up until 1925, when it opened itself to international participants.

The French Open differs to the other Grand Slam tournaments as it is played on clay courts. These courts slow the ball down and produce a higher bounce making it difficult to those with lesser experience. Clay court specialists have altered their game play to succeed where other higher seeded players do not. Pete Sampras, who has won more Grand Slam titles than any other player in history, as well as current world number one, Roger Federer, has never won the French Open due to its different style and game play. On the other hand, some clay court specialists, notably Rafael Nadal and Gustavo Kuerten have never won any of the Grand Slams other than the French Open.

The French Open is one of the most prestigious and physically challenging tennis tournaments in the world due to its unique playing surface and the structure of the tournament (five sets without a tie break in men’s singles matches).

As with the other Grand Slam events the French Open is a huge event, raising attendance figures of over 40,000 and huge prize funds for the winning competitors.

Roger Federer has been runner up in this event for two years running, both times losing out to Raphael Nadal in the final match and desperately wants to win this year to complete his set. On the other hand Nadal’s consistent form and specialties on clay court matches will make him a tough opponent to beat.

Here are the previous ten winners of the singles trophies in The French Open:

Year // Men’s Winner // Ladies’ Winner

2007 // Rafael Nadal // Justine Henin
2006 // Rafael Nadal // Justine Henin
2005 // Rafael Nadal // Justine Henin
2004 // Gaston Gaudio // Anastasia Myskina
2003 // Juan Carlos Ferrero // Justine Henin
2002 // Albert Costa // Serena Williams
2001 // Gustavo Kuerten // Jennifer Capriati
2000 // Gustavo Kuerten // Mary Pierce
1999 // Andre Agassi // Steffi Graf
1998 // Carlos Moya // A. Sanchez Vicario

Justine Henin will be the favourite amongst the ladies this year, due to her winning the last three occasions. Roger Federer, while he remains the world number one, will be tested in this tournament by reigning champion and clay court specialist Rafael Nadal.

For up to date odds and tips on The French Open please use our Odds Comparison page.