2023 French Open: Nadal an Underdog

Tony Reyes
By , Updated on: Apr 9, 2024 08:00 PM
2023 French Open: Nadal an Underdog
  • What: French Open
  • When: Sunday, May 28, 2023
  • Where: Roland Garros, Paris, France
  • Defending Champ: Rafael Nadal

The three best men's tennis players in the world are not playing in Monte Carlo this weekend. After Novak Djokovic shocking upset to Lorenzo Musetti in the round of 16, he finds himself at home.

Before we continue with this preview, we encourage you to check out our French Open betting page for everything you need to know before the Grand Slam starts.

Roland Garros Stadium is comprised of several tennis courts in the French capital. The stadium was constructed in 1928 to defend the Davis Cup and is named after French aviator, Roland Garros.

Carlos Alcaraz, Nadal, and Djokovic will be aiming for the 2023 French Open title. They will be the three favorites we discuss in this preview.

The French Open, being the second Grand Slam of the 2023 season, presents a challenge to even the best players due to its clay surface.

This is exemplified by the fact that only three of Roger Federer's and Novak Djokovic's 41 combined Grand Slam titles have been won at Roland Garros.

Even Pete Sampras, who ranks fourth on the all-time list of Grand Slam champions, never won a French Open title.

PlayerBetUSBovadaBetOnline
Carlos Alcaraz+160+150+195
Novak Djokovic+140+165+185
Rafael Nadal+250+300+350
Stefanos Tsitsipas+650+700+1400
Casper Ruud+1200+1600+2000
Alexander Zverev+2000+2000+2500
Daniil Medvedev+2500+2800+4000
Holger Rune+1400+1400+1400
Jannik Sinner+1400+1400+1600
Felix Auger-Aliassme+2200+4000+2200
Dominic Thiem+1600+1600+12500
Andrey Rublev+3300+3300+4000

Best Bets To Win 2023 French Open

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal's dominance at Roland Garros is unquestioned, having won 14 titles in 18 career tournaments. However, due to a Grade 2 iliopsoas injury at the Australian Open, he has spent the past few months recovering.

The uncertainty surrounding Nadal's injury is the only reason you will see odds this favorable for him.

He is at +250 odds to win outright and he hasn't lost at this tournament since a 2021 semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic.

Even though Nadal hasn't played in a tournament in 2023 and he may be rusty, it's too difficult to pass on this value.

I would recommend betting on Rafael Nadal to win the 2023 French Open at +250 odds. 

Rafael Nadal To win 2023 French Open
+250
BetUS

Novak Djokovic

Djokovic is favored for the remaining three Grand Slams in 2023. Although he was recently upset at Monte Carlo, he has a strong history at Roland Garros.

Djokovic has won at Roland Garros twice (2016 and 2021) both times he defeated Nadal. He has made the quarterfinals or better every year since 2010.

That being said, I would not recommend betting on Novak Djokovic at +140 odds. He may be priced as the favorite but I don't think he wins this time.

Novak Djokovic To win 2023 French Open
+140
BetUS

Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz is a very promising young player. After a hand injury took him out causing defeat in the Miami Open he was forced to pass on Monte Carlo to recover.

Alcaraz had dominated Indian Wells after winning the Australian Open. Like Nadal, Alcaraz is very good on clay, posting a career 27-4 record.

Alcaraz is the future of the sport, both Nadal and Djokovic are over 35, while Alcaraz is 19. This could be the start of the changing of the guard. I am betting on it.

I would also recommend betting on Carlos Alcaraz to win the 2023 French Open with the second-best odds at +160.

Carlos Alcaraz To win 2023 French Open
+160
BetUS

Before making any bets, we recommend you check out all the details on the best betting bonuses and promotions available right now. You do not want to miss out on the sign-up bonuses that allow you to bet with house money!

How To Bet On 2023 French Open

After reading this entire preview, you're ready to make your bets on the 2023 French Open.

Our trusted sportsbook reviews will help you decide the best site for you to bet on more than just tennis.

Meet the author

Tony Reyes

With years of experience as both a fan and analyst, Tony brings an expert voice to picks and predictions. His love of sports betting comes through in coverage that informs and entertains in equal measure. When not watching the games or covering them, you can find Tony s...

Online Sports Betting may receive compensation if you sign up through our links. Rest assured, we avoid biases and provide honest opinions on sportsbooks. Read more here.