The French Open gets under way today, with 2024’s expanded edition of the tournament beginning on Sunday. A handful of men’s matches will unfold on day one, with none bigger than Carlos Alcaraz vs JJ Wolf.
Will the bookmakers’ favourite get his Roland Garros off to a winning start? Read on for our Alcaraz vs Wolf prediction and betting tips.
Alcaraz comes to Paris favourite to win the tournament, but is not without some doubts lingering over his title chances. The 21-year-old has been sidelined for the better part of the last month due to a forearm injury, and will be taking to the court today for the first time since Madrid.
Prior to his injury, the world No. 3 was running hot. He picked up his first title since Wimbledon 2023 in Indian Wells, defeating Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev in consecutive matches. This time last year he made it to the semi-finals of the French Open, and he’ll be eager to make it further than that in 2024.
For Wolf, his season couldn’t be more of a contrast. The American has struggled with injury, falling out of the world’s top 100 as a result. He’s 1-6 on the ATP Tour in 2024, having had to step down to the Challenger level at times.
Having lost in qualifying, Wolf was handed a lucky loser into the main draw of the French Open. His placement epitomises the term lucky loser–lucky to get a spot, loser in terms of who he’s up against first. Does he have a shot? Read on.
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How the Bookies View It: Nothing But Alcaraz
Understandably, Alcaraz is an enormous favourite to win here. Bookmaker bet365 has the No. 3 seed at an incredible 1/100 to win the match, while Wolf pays a whopping 25/1. Set betting sees this ending quickly, with a 3-0 result at 3/10.
Recent Head-to-Head: Nothing to See Here
Alcaraz and Wolf have never met before on the ATP Tour, making this their first meeting.
Anything Else Catch the Eye?
Of the 12 Grand Slams that Alcaraz has played, he’s dropped one or more sets in the first round on three occasions. However, the last time he failed to win his opening set was back in Wimbledon 2022. Since then, he’s been clean in opening rounds.
Wolf, on the other hand, has never failed to win a set in Grand Slam main draws. He’s made seven of them, and moved to the second round or further on four occasions. Of his three first-round losses, he’s been competitive. Twice, he’s lost in five sets, while earlier this year, he won the opening set against Sebastian Baez before he was forced to retire in the fourth.
The big thing to consider in this clash is less about each players’ credentials or form, but more about Alcaraz's injury. Is he fully recovered? Will he play at his best? We’ll know in a few hours.
Alcaraz vs Wolf Betting Tips & Predictions
Unless something drastic happens, this match is only headed in one direction. Chances are, it’s heading that way fast, too. However, with odds of 12/5 for Wolf to win a set, it’s hard not to take a bit of a punt here.
- Wolf to win a set @ 12/5
- Alcaraz to win 3-1 @ 10/3
Alcaraz and Wolf play second on Court Philippe-Chatrier this Sunday, so get your bets in quick.
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