ANDY MURRAY will attempt to reach his first French Open final today – against “The King of Clay” and five-time champion Rafael Nadal.
Given his Roland Garros record, world No.1 Nadal is the big favourite while British No.1 Murray has nothing to lose.
For me, that is the key to a shock victory, “nothing to lose”. Murray isn't expected to win, therefore he can go out and give it his best shot.
Lose – it was meant to happen. Win – he's a victory away from that elusive first Slam and surely the new tournament favourite after beating Nadal.
A victory for Murray would be only his fifth in 15 meetings with Nadal but I believe he can deliver another giant result for British tennis. He pushed the Spaniard, who hasn't been at his best in Paris, all the way in their Monte Carlo semi-final in the run-up to the major.
An elbow injury led to a one-sided deciding set in Monaco but the fact Murray proved he can live with Nadal on his favourite surface will give him confidence.
The Scot is 19-4 with Sportingbet while Nadal is 1-6 with Boylesports, 888sport, Betfred, Blue Square, Paddy Power, Stan James, William Hill and Skybet.
It could be a five-setter though and Murray 3-2 is 12-1 at Stan James. Murray 3-1 is 12-1 with Bodog, Bet365 and Boylesports.
Set betting: Nadal 3-0 (evens, Boylesports), 3-1 (5-2, Skybet, Bodog, Totesport, Bet365, Paddy Power, Stan James) 3-2 (15-2, Paddy Power); Murray 3-0 (20-1, Boylesports), 3-1 (12-1, Bodog, Bet365, Boylesports), 3-2 (12-1 at Stan James).
Recommendation
Murray to win (19-4, Sportingbet).
