With the French Open set to begin on Sunday, it’s time for a little preview of the year’s second Grand Slam. Starting things off are the odds for the top 16 seeds, along with some notable players outside the top 16.
All odds are taken from Oddshark.
| Seed | Player – Country | Odds |
| 1 | Rafael Nadal – ESP | -226 |
| 2 | Alexander Zverev – GER | +800 |
| 3 | Marin Cilic – CRO | +5000 |
| 4 | Grigor Dimitrov – BUL | +6600 |
| 5 | Juan Martin del Potro – ARG | +5000 |
| 6 | Kevin Anderson – RSA | +15000 |
| 7 | Dominic Thiem – AUT | +900 |
| 8 | David Goffin – BEL | +4000 |
| 9 | John Isner – USA | +20000 |
| 10 | Pablo Carreño Busta – ESP | +10000 |
| 11 | Diego Schwartzman – ARG | +8000 |
| 12 | Sam Querrey – USA | +50000 |
| 13 | Roberto Bautista Agut – ESP | +12500 |
| 14 | Jack Sock – USA | +15000 |
| 15 | Lucas Pouille – FRA | +10000 |
| 16 | Kyle Edmund – GBR | +8000 |
| Other Notable Players | ||
| 19 | Kei Nishikori – JPN | +5000 |
| 20 | Novak Djokovic – SRB | +1200 |
| 21 | Nick Kyrgios – AUS | +10000 |
| 24 | Denis Shapovalov – CAN | +6600 |
| 32 | Gael Monfils – FRA | +8000 |
As the odds show, this is essentially Nadal’s tournament to lose, especially with Roger Federer’s decision to skip the tournament again. But no player is infallible, so who else should we be keeping our eyes on at Roland Garros?
2) Alexander Zverev
For all the success and adulation, still has yet to reach the Quarterfinals at any Grand Slam. All the talent and potential in the world, and still just 21 years old. But I may need to see it before I fully buy into him as a legitimate Grand Slam threat. Could find himself with a tough Round of 16 match up if Wawrinka’s health holds up.
4) Grigor Dimitrov
Similar to Zverev, he has a lot of unrealized potential, though he has had slightly more success, having reached two Grand Slam Semi Finals. One of my favorite players right now, plus he has what is likely the greatest consecutive two points I’ve ever seen.
(I will share this video every chance I get)
I’m just not sure he can put it together. But I’ll be pulling for him with all I’ve got.
7) Dominic Thiem
If you’re going to bet on someone other than Nadal, Thiem would be one of the very few I would feel comfortable betting on. Has made the Semis here the past two years, and just beat Nadal in the Madrid Open. Even though he lost to Zverev in the Madrid final, his confidence should be running high. Could face a tricky 2nd Round match against up-and-coming Greek teen Stefanos Tsitsipas.
16) Kyle Edmund
A young guy on the rise. Made a Semi Final run at this year’s Australian Open. At this year’s Madrid Open, a clay court tournament, he beat both Djokovic and Goffin. His potential has always been apparent to everyone. Maybe he’s starting to put it all together. Would likely have to get through both Cilic and del Potro to earn a spot in the Semis, but both of those players can be vulnerable on clay.
20) Novak Djokovic
I low key kind of enjoy when top players like this are seeded so low. It can make for some very interesting early round matches that you normally wouldn’t get. He could find himself facing Dimitrov in the 4th Round, Goffin in the QF, and Zverev or Thiem in the SF. If he makes it through that gauntlet, would he have enough left in the tank to take down Nadal?
21) Nick Kyrgios
I don’t think he’s a serious threat to win, but I’ll probably always include him in any sort of “Players to Watch” list for Grand Slams. So much natural talent, but the effort and focus aren’t always there. If he puts it together, he can beat anyone. But I think the surface could get into his head and see him to an early exit. Let’s temper expectations for Roland Garros and check back when it’s time for Wimbledon.
23) Stan Wawrinka
He’s won here before, so you know the possibility is there. The big question is his health. Definitely within the realm of possibility to see him make a run here.
24) Denis Shapovalov
The rise continues for the electric Canadian. Having just turned pro in 2017, we don’t have much historical data to go off of here. We could be getting a Shapo/Rafa Round of 16 match-up. But if he fights his way through that one, the QF could really open up for him to make his first Grand Slam Semi Final appearance.
32) Gael Monfils
Because of course. The most entertaining player on tour. I can’t not mention him.
My Semi Final/Final/Champion Predictions
Semi Finals
1) Nadal vs. 16) Edmund (I don’t feel good about this one. There’s nobody I feel strongly about on this half of the upper bracket, so why not go out on a limb?)
20) Djokovic vs. 7) Thiem
Final
1) Nadal vs. 7) Thiem
Champion
Nadal gets his 11th
I’m hoping we’ll see someone new come away with the championship, but if I’m making logical predictions, I don’t see how I can pick anyone other than Nadal But as far as my personal rooting interests, I’ll be getting behind Zverev, Dimitrov, Thiem, Shapovalov, Monfils.
Television coverage for the French Open starts on Sunday, the 27th at 5:00 AM ET/4:00 AM CT on the Tennis Channel and NBC picks up coverage at noon ET/11: 00 AM CT.
