ATP French Open 1/64-Finals
Djokovic – Herbert: Time TBA
H2H: 1-0
Novak Djokovic has won three of his last five matches. So far this season, Novak has struggled a lot with his form and has yet to win a title. Last week in Rome, Djokovic lost his second round match against Tabilo in straight sets. This week, Djokovic reached the semifinals in Geneva where he lost against Machac in three sets. After the match, Novak said that he was worried about his tennis. We believe that his age is slowly affecting him on the court, and that his form will keep decreasing. Last year, Nole won the title in Paris and is the defending champion.
Pierre-Hugues Herbert has lost four of his last five matches. Last week, Herbert lost his first qualification round match in Lyon against Barranco Cosano in three sets. So far this season, Herbert has not done much, expect reaching the semifinals of the Naples challenger tournament over a month ago. Herbert was granted a wildcard for being a French player, so expect him to go out and give his everything in front of his own crowd. Last year, Herbert lost in the qualifying tournament against Karatsev in two tight tiebreaks.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Novak is a huge favorite in this matchup. However, he has been struggling a lot recently, and he usually starts slowly coming into the tournament. We believe that he will win against Herbert, but Pierre might keep this match tight. Herbert is a huge server, so we believe that he will cover the games handicap line easily.
That being said, Herbert covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Pierre-Hugues Herbert +8.5 games handicap @2.10 @bet365
Gasquet – Coric: Time TBA
H2H: 1-1
Richard Gasquet has lost three of his last five matches. His form has been declining recently. Richard is a 37-year-old veteran who is not the fittest player on the tour anymore. Last week, Gasquet lost in the first round of the ATP 250 in Lyon against Muller as we predicted. Before that, Richard lost in the qualification tournament of the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome. Last season at the French Open, Richard lost in the first round against Rinderknech in four sets.
Borna Coric has lost four of his last five matches. This has been by far his worst season of his young career. However, Borna is still a great clay court player, and it is just a matter of time before he comes back to his best form. Two weeks ago, Borna lost his first round match against Draper in straight sets. Since then, Borna has been training and preparing for the French Open. Last year, Borna won his first two matches in Paris against solid clay court players. Coric eventually lost in the third round to Etcheverry, who went on a run and made it all over to the quarterfinals.
Best Bet to Make
We believe that Gasquet can not handle a best of five match. His body is not ready for the long rallies with Coric. We believe that Borna will win this match on strength and make it to the second round easily.
That being said, Coric covering games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Borna Coric -4.5 games handicap @1.91 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
