Roland Garros Monday Week 1

So, today was a mixed bag to begin Roland Garros 2013. In a way, it doesn't matter because there were very few betting opportunities with so few matches today anyway, but the two we recommended failed to deliver. Personally, Gilles Simon made up for it as I backed him two sets down against Lleyton Hewitt who turned back the years for the first two sets. But Pablo Carreno Busta lost to Federer in straight sets. I thought PCB might get a set and make it uncomfortbale for Fed, but to be honest, Federer looked fantastic today. Carreno-Busta can leave with his head held high - he will have a good career and there was no shame in the way he played today.  Then Steve Darcis lost in four to Llodra and looked just as uncomfortable on the clay as Llodra did. Llodra will go no further either but that is of little consolation now!

So, we have a bit of ground to make up over the coming fortnight, and we will start tomorrow. I have already given my predictions for all the first round matches which can be seen here but, just to refresh, the selections I have recommmeded for tomorrow are as follows:

Mathieu to beat Nieminen (3.05)
Alund to beat Roger-Vasselin (3.50)
Isner to beat Berlocq (2.12)
Janowicz to beat Ramos (1.75)
Melzer to beat Sijsling (2.24)

I have given my reasoning behind all of those in yesterday's blog and I am confident that most of those will deliver, particularly Isner & Melzer. The only way Melzer will lose here is if he is carrying some sort of injury or illness and I haven't heard that he is. There are some lovely prices in there too, like Alund and Mathieu. Alund, in particular could surprise a lot of people - he is made for clay. If any of the longer shots like that put themselves into a winning position, lay it off for sure. You have to be smart in betting and take your guaranteed profit when the chance arises. Less stress, less grey hairs!!

Other players I expect to win tomorrow but won't be recommending a pre-match bet on are: Nadal, Berdych, Tsonga, Gasquet, Benneteau, Almagro, Gulbis, Klizan, Nishikori, Cilic, Rosol, Fognini, Monaco, Stepanek, Haase, Robredo, Giraldo, Kuznetsov, and Montanes.

I will update the blog for the final first round matches tomorrow. Until then, best of luck tomorrow and enjoy the tennis! Over and out :)