The French Open 2008

At the end of the week the second Grand Slam tournament of the ttennis season will kick off at the Roland Garros in Paris, France.  After Justine Henin’s shock early retirement last week the woman’s title will be wide open, whereas for the men’s title Rafael Nadal will be the man to beat.  Henin could have become the only woman in the open era to win four consecutive French Open titles, instead by retiring she equals the record of three set by Monica Seles.  However, in the men’s game, Nadal is still on track to equal Bjorn Borg’s record of four consecutive titles in the open era, provided he takes the title in Paris.

The French Open is often a good indication as to who will triumph at Wimbledon, and with Roger Federer looking to make history by surpassing Bjorn Borg’s record of five consecutive wins at Wimbledon, he will be keen to triumph at the French Open so as to go into the tournament at SW19 in a winning momentum.  However, when it comes to matches on clay Nadal is, arguably, the best in the game and with two consecutive wins over Federer in the French Open final under his belt, Nadal must be confident of securing a third against the Swiss maestro.

If you are into your sports betting then in the men’s singles Nadal is the bookies favourite, with odds of 4/9 being offered by Blue Square betting.  Federer is the second favourite at 4/1, followed by Novak Djokovic at 9/2.  In the women’s singles Serena Williams is the new favourite after Henin’s departure, with odds of 5/2 on her taking the title.  Jelena Jankovic is the second favourite at 5/1, with Maria Sharapova, who has been enjoying a recent return to form, third at 11/2 .