We have reached the semi-final stage of this year’s French Open in the men’s draw and it is a strong final four that are left standing.
World number one Carlos Alcaraz and 22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic lock horns in a clash of the heavyweights while last season’s runner-up Casper Ruud meets with Alexander Zverev, who is featuring in his third consecutive French Open semi-final.
French Open Day 13 Betting Tips
Date: Friday 9th June
Time: 10:00
Location: Roland Garros, Paris, France
Carlos Alcaraz to beat Novak Djokovic 3-1 @ 3/1
When the draw was made for this year’s French Open, it was expected that Alcaraz would meet Djokovic in the semi-final, but now the hope has become reality.
This is a tantalising showdown which puts together world number one Alcaraz, who is carrying the hopes of Spain in the absence of injured compatriot Rafael Nadal, and two-time French Open champion Djokovic, who is chasing a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title.
Something has to give on Court Philippe-Chatrier but it is the younger legs of Alcaraz who may win the battle.
The 20-year-old has already had a taste of Grand Slam glory, having won last year’s US Open, and he has looked a natural on this surface having claimed clay-court titles in Buenos Aires, Barcelona and Madrid this season.
The Spanish youngster has lost only two of his 27 clay-court matches this term and he was scintillating in his semi-final win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, with the 2021 French Open runner-up readily brushed aside 6-2 6-1 7-6.
Alcaraz could dominate this sport for the years to come and while it is unlikely to be a stroll against arguably the greatest returner of all-time in Djokovic, the Spaniard does hold the aces.
The Serb was made to work hard in his quarter-final encounter with Karen Khachanov, coming from a set down and having to win the second in a tiebreak before prevailing in four.
The only previous meeting between this duo went the way of Alcaraz 2-1 on the clay of Madrid last year and while the Murcia man can frank that form, the excellent defence of Djokovic should ensure he gets a set on the board.
Casper Ruud to beat Alexander Zverev @ Evens
Ruud found only ‘King of Clay’ himself Rafael Nadal too good at the French Open last season and with the 14-time Roland Garros champion a non-starter in Paris, the Norwegian may be feeling he can go one step further.
After a fairly quiet start to the season, the world number four has saved his best for Paris again and his most recent two wins over Nicolas Jarry and Holger Rune read particularly well.
A semi-final clash with Zverev requires more as the German is appearing in the final four of the French Open for the third successive year.
However, Zverev will have bad memories of last year’s exit having been forced to retire during his last-four duel with Nadal – the Spaniard led 7-6 6-6 – with ankle ligament damage.
It is a remarkable feat for the German to be back competing in the latter stages of a Grand Slam event so quickly, but clay-court specialist Ruud may have his measure.
Zverev has recorded some strong wins in Paris without looking anywhere close to his peak and he will have to be fully fired-up to see off Ruud, who has won nine of his 10 career titles on this tougher terrain.
The Norwegian has won 20 of his last 25 matches on this slower surface and can prevail to reach another French Open final.
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