tennis | Friday, June 9, 2023 8:00 AM

Friday Tennis Best Bet: ATP French Open, Alexander Zverev vs Casper Ruud

Jon Reid

Alexander Zverev vs Casper Ruud Best Bet: Friday, June 9th

Excellent stuff from Rinky Hijikata, who has still only been broken one time in two matches, as he beats Ilya Ivashka outright in a pair of tiebreaks to bring home the handicap.

For Thursday, it’s back to the French Open, as the men take centre stage for their semifinal day at Roland Garros.

While Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic is the marquee match of the day, it’s the matchup between Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud that intrigues me much more from a betting

In this article:

Alexander Zverev vs Casper Ruud Preview
Alexander Zverev vs Casper Ruud Best Bet

Alexander Zverev vs Casper Ruud Preview

June 9th, 16:30 (UK Time)

What a fortnight for Zverev. After making a deep run here a year ago and having it ended by a terrible ankle injury, it must be somewhat cathartic to be back in the final four in Paris.

It hasn’t always been pretty, but that’s also the beauty of Zverev’s game. He’s able to prolong points and win ugly when things aren’t clicking for him. On slow clay courts, that can be invaluable.

Throw in his huge first serve, elite backhand, strong game at the net and terrific court coverage, and you have a player that has seen the top of the game and competed with – and beaten – the best of the best.

Ruud is no easy task and has easily solidified himself inside the world’s 10 best players on this surface (could make a case for top-5), but I’m not certain this is the best matchup for him.

He has a strong first serve and can protect his second delivery with his incredible ability to generate topspin.

His forehand is also one of the best on this surface, and he’ll need that to click. Because as much as he’ll enjoy those forehand exchanges, he’ll also be in a lot of trouble in backhand rallies, as that is a clear weakness for him.

His serve was rock solid last time out, but he’s been vulnerable this event at times, seeing as he doesn’t have the brute power to rack up cheap points and make holds of serve more simple.

I see Zverev as the favourite in this matchup – even if it’s a close match – so I’ll look to back him to reach the final against either Alcaraz or Djokovic.

Alexander Zverev vs Casper Ruud Best Bet

With fewer matches on offer and all of them being very well known, markets tend to be far more efficient in the latter stages of grand slams. We saw the rare opportunity to have a player’s talent undervalued on Thursday with the women’s semis, but in this case, it’s important for me to state that you shouldn’t be over-extending on these matchups.

I think there is value on Zverev here, but it’s not an edge that should see you taking a large position. I know many people want to bet bigger on the more important matches, but it’s just not a wise decision.

I’ll be backing the big German, but with a standard, conservative stake.