French Open preview and odds: Rafael Nadal vs Sam Groth

Published on: 20/05/2016

French Open preview and odds: Rafael Nadal vs Sam Groth

May 22, 2016 TBC - Roland Garros

The world`s greatest ever clay court player will begin his 2016 French Open journey with a first-time meeting with 95th-ranked Aussie Sam Groth.

Can Nadal bag his 10th Roland Garros crown?

The road to recovery has been a long one for Rafa Nadal and he is still a long way from being back to his devastating best. However, his 18/2 record on clay since the beginning of April will make ominous reading for his early round opponents.

With wins in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, followed by a semi-final in Madrid and a quarter-final in Rome, the Spaniard has sent out a clear message that he is not finished yet. In fact, only the top two in the world have beaten him on clay in the last 20 matches.

After peaking at No. 53 in the world last year, Australian Sam Groth has slowly slid back down the rankings and now sits in 95th place in the table. He has never played Rafa Nadal and has not played a match on clay since last year`s French Open when he fell at the first hurdle.

The 28-year-old has won just four of the 19 matches that he has played this year and comes into this tournament searching for form.

Betting predictions

A lack of hours on clay will make a tough job virtually impossible for Groth. Asa result, value will be hard to find in this match. Instead, back the Spaniard to make the quarter finals with ease.

Back Nadal to win 2nd Quarter at 8/15 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 20/05/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (20/05/2016 22:18:05) but are subject to change.