Tennis

Casper Ruud's stunning victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the Nitto ATP Finals has sent shockwaves through the tennis world. Despite Alcaraz's illness and Ruud's recent struggles, the Norwegian delivered a dominant performance, serving at an impressive 68.0% and controlling the match with his powerful forehand.Ruud's resurgence at the year-end event is a testament to his resilience and determination. After a disappointing run-up to the Finals, including a loss to Benjamin Bonzi in Metz, Ruud has rediscovered his form in Turin. His 5-3 record at the ATP Finals highlights his ability to perform at the highest level when it matters most.In his upcoming match against Alexander Zverev, Ruud will face a formidable opponent. However, Zverev's return game is not as strong as Alcaraz's, and Ruud's consistent serving and aggressive forehand should give him an edge.Ruud's ability to win over 8.5 games in this match is a compelling betting proposition. Even in a straight-set loss, Ruud's strong serve and forehand should allow him to rack up holds and keep the match competitive.The fast indoor hard courts in Turin favor servers, and Ruud's recent serving performance suggests that he can exploit this advantage. Zverev's lower break percentage and higher Ace Rate Against compared to Alcaraz further support the case for Ruud to win over 8.5 games.While Zverev has improved significantly since his last meeting with Ruud on hard courts in 2022, Ruud has also made strides in his game. Additionally, Ruud's previous success against Zverev in similar conditions bodes well for his chances in this match.Ruud's ability to control points with his forehand and exploit Zverev's shaky forehand will be crucial. By dictating the pace and direction of the rallies, Ruud can limit Zverev's opportunities to attack and force him into errors.

Jannik Sinner, the reigning Australian Open champion, is poised to make a strong bid for the Roland Garros title despite recent injury concerns. The 22-year-old Italian has been battling a hip issue that forced him to withdraw from the Rome Masters. However, recent social media posts and the presence of his coach, Darren Cahill, in Paris suggest that Sinner is determined to compete.Sinner's odds of winning Roland Garros have improved to +500 following the injury news, presenting a potentially lucrative opportunity for bettors. Most sportsbooks offer refunds if Sinner withdraws before the tournament, making it a low-risk, high-reward wager.Despite his relative lack of success on clay, Sinner has proven to be a formidable opponent on all surfaces. He boasts an impressive 28-3 record this season, ranking first in the world in hold percentage and third in break percentage. His elite baseline play, powerful forehand and backhand, and improved variety make him a threat to any opponent.TennisViz and Tennis Data Innovations rank Sinner as the world's top performer on clay in 2024, with the highest Shot Quality on both forehand and backhand. While there remains a possibility that Sinner may withdraw, the odds of him competing and performing at a high level are strong.

Roland Garros 2023: Betting Preview and Players to WatchThe upcoming Roland Garros tournament promises to be an intriguing affair, with several top players facing uncertainties heading into the event. Carlos Alcaraz, the betting favorite, has been sidelined with a forearm injury, while defending champion Novak Djokovic lacks confidence and is seeking to regain form at a lower-level event. Jannik Sinner, the Australian Open champion, is also dealing with a hip injury that could potentially hinder his performance.Given these concerns, betting on Roland Garros presents a unique challenge. However, there are several players who stand out as potential contenders or value picks.Fliers:* Taylor Fritz (70-1): Despite his long odds, Fritz has shown impressive form on clay recently, reaching the semifinals in Madrid and quarterfinals in Rome. His improved serve and movement on the surface make him a potential dark horse for a deep run.* Karen Khachanov (95-1): A two-time Roland Garros quarterfinalist, Khachanov possesses a solid all-around game and has a history of performing well against top players. His ability to serve and back it up from the baseline makes him a potential value pick for a quarterfinal or semifinal berth.Fades:* Rafael Nadal (17-1): While Nadal's 14 Roland Garros titles make him a tempting pick, his recent form on clay has been disappointing. His performance rating on the surface is below average, and he has struggled to maintain his signature defensive style.* Holger Rune (33-1): Rune has shown flashes of brilliance but has also suffered some embarrassing losses. His return game and baseline play have declined this year, making him a risky bet at his current odds.Pick to Win:* Jannik Sinner (+460): Despite his hip injury, Sinner remains a formidable contender. He has won three tournaments this season, including the Australian Open, and is fully capable of succeeding on clay. If he decides to participate, his odds offer great value for an elite player.