So we’ve arrived at the 3rd and final Grand Slam of the year, the French Open. What a strange sentence that was to write!
Late autumn seems like such a surreal time to be sitting down to watch Roland Garros, but as we all know, it’s been that kind of year. Hopefully there were a few winners to be had on Day 1, so let’s have a look and see if Day 2 offers any value.
Gael Monfils v Alexander Bublik: Monfils -1.5 sets
My first recommendation comes off the back of a couple of disappointing showings from Monfils in recent weeks. However, that makes me more confident in the selection if anything. Le Monf is notoriously tough to beat whenever the French Open rolls around and I would expect him to take care of Alexander Bublik here without going the distance.
Bublik got to the second round here last year but Monfils is a former semi-finalist who will have aspirations of at least making the last 8 this time around again.
Look for him to have a good tournament and get off on the right foot here with Monfils -1.5 sets.
Tennys Sandgren v Hubert Hurkacz: Sandgren +4.5 games
Our second play on day 2 is on the American Tennys Sandgren. He had a disappointing exit last week in Rome at the hands of Salvatore Caruso, but he is another that will look to bounce back strongly here in Paris.
He faces a tough opponent here in Hubert Hurkacz but I like his chances of keeping it close and at least winning a set here.
If he does that I think our Sandgren +4.5 games should be pretty safe. Neither player has ever made it past the second round here so both will be eager to achieve a personal best at Roland Garros at the very least.
The big man from Poland is rightfully favoured for this match but I don’t think he will be as comfortable as the prices suggest, so am happy to take a chance on the Yank.
Aliona Bolsova v Jasmine Paolini: Paolini to Win
Finally, I think the young Italian Jasmine Paolini will get the better of Aliona Bolsova in their first round matchup. The Spanish Bolsova has been to the 4th round here as recently as last year, and this is perhaps why the match is priced as a coin flip.
However, I simply think that Paolini can and will play at a higher standard for longer than Bolsova here.
She was beaten by the red hot favourite for this tournament last week in Simona Halep, but held her own for decent chunks of that match, and is a better player than she was here last year.
Winner of 8 ITF titles, Paolini will be desperate to make it into the second round of a Slam for the first time in her young career and I think this represents a fine opportunity to do just that.
5/1 Treble for Monday at the French Open:
Gael Monfils v Alexander Bublik: Monfils -1.5 sets
Tennys Sandgren v Hubert Hurkacz: Sandgren +4.5 games
Aliona Bolsova v Jasmine Paolini: Paolini to Win
These three selections in a treble will give you odds of around 5/1 with Paddy Power.
Read More:
- Sprint over to all the top tips and racing previews now
- Horse Racing: How to watch racing for free with Paddy Power
- Placing bets is easier than ever with Paddy Power News’ live odds banners
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
