Things are starting to heat up at the French Open. The next seven days, seeds will collide as the year’s second Grand Slam whittles its way down from 16 men to one champion. On the agenda in the day session of day eight is an intriguing clash between No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz and the resurgent Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Can FAA pull off an upset of epic proportions? Read on for our Alcaraz vs Auger-Aliassime prediction and betting tips.
Alcaraz came to Paris with an injury cloud over his head, one which he has well and truly dispelled in the last week. The Spaniard has raced through his first three matches for the loss of just one set, defeating JJ Wolf, Jesper de Jong and Sebastian Korda en route to the Round of 16.
There’s a reason the 21-year-old is the bookmaker’s favourite at Roland-Garros this year. Clay is his best surface, and when he’s firing on all cylinders, he’s near-impossible to stop on it. Based on his performances this tournament, we say he’s back to his best.
Speaking of players that are back to their best, this French Open has been a breath of fresh air for Auger-Aliassime. Wind back the clock a few years, and the Canadian was being talked about as a future world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion.
While he cracked the top 10 and picked up a handful of titles, it’s safe to say things have not unfolded according to plan for the 23-year-old. Injuries saw him struggle with consistency, dropping out of the world’s top 30 as recently as last month.
A handy European clay swing (10-4) and a strong first week of the French Open (wins over Yoshihito Nishioka, Henri Squire and Ben Shelton) have been just what the doctor ordered for the man.
Can he cap it off with a statement win against Alcaraz? Read on to find out.
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How the Bookies View It: Pack Your Bags, Felix
Bookmaker bet365 believes this will be a routine win for Alcaraz. The bookie has him at 1/9 to win, and 10/11 for a straight sets victory. Auger-Aliassime is a heavy dog, given odds of 11/2 and a +6.5 handicap.
Recent Head-to-Head: This One’s Interesting
Alcaraz and Auger-Aliassime have clashed five times previously on the ATP Tour. Auger-Aliassime won the first three encounters, while Alcaraz has prevailed in their last two meetings. This will be their first match on clay.
Anything Else Catch the Eye?
This one could well be a battle of the forehands.
For both men, it’s their biggest weapon. Without it firing, they struggle, as we’ve seen with each over recent years. For Alcaraz, a forearm injury has limited his confidence at times, while for Auger-Aliassime, his timing has lacked thanks to limited match play.
Both seem to have their radars switched on this French Open though. Alcaraz struck 27 of his 38 winners from the forehand wing against Korda, while Auger-Aliassime made 22 of his 28 winners against Shelton with his forehand.
Alcaraz vs Auger-Aliassime Betting Tips & Predictions
We think Auger-Aliassime has the game to challenge Alcaraz on clay when he’s confident. Expect him to win a set, but crumble when push comes to shove and fold the match to Alcaraz in four.
- Auger-Aliassime +6.5 handicap @ 1/1
- Alcaraz to win 3-1 @ 9/4
Alcaraz and Auger-Aliassime round out the day session on Court Philippe-Chatrier this Sunday. Get your bets in before then, and make sure to check out our analysis of how this year’s men’s French Open seeds are going as well.
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