The second round of the French Open promises another day of thrilling matches, including a standout showdown between top seed Novak Djokovic and Roberto Carballes Baena.
Roland-Garros defending champion Novak Djokovic hasn’t been in a very promising form this year, entering the Grand Slam without a title. However, Djokovic defeated home favourite Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round in straight sets (6-4, 7-6(3), 6-4).
Carballes Baena defeated Constant Lestienne in a four-setter to earn his spot against the 24-time Grand Slam champion in the second round. The ATP Marrakech finalist enters the match with a 1-16 record against top 10 players. His sole victory came in round one of the US Open 2023, where he defeated Holger Rune, who was then ranked No. 4.
Djokovic has shown a drastic change in his pace, as he grabbed his first victory in the French Open. This matchup against Carballes Baena serves as a great opportunity for him to get back in his rhythm and continue his title defence.
Is this where Djokovic draws the line? Read on for our Djokovic vs Carballes Baena prediction and betting tips.
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How the Bookies View It: Djokovic All the Way
Bookmaker bet365 is unapologetically favouring Djokovic for this matchup, making him the favourite at 1/40. Carballes Baena on the other hand sits at 16/1 to his win. Set betting suggests a 3-0 win for Djokovic, with this outcome returning 4/9.
Recent Head-to-Head: Advantage Djokovic
Djokovic and Carballes Baena have crossed swords twice before, with Djokovic emerging as the victor on both occasions. Most recently, they met at the 2023 Australian Open, with the Serb prevailing 6-3, 6-4, 6-0. However, this will be their first meeting on clay.
Anything Else Catch the Eye?
Djokovic, who turned 37 last week, is coming to Pairs without a title this season. He’s looked particularly vulnerable, most recently getting knocked out of the Geneva Open at the hands of young Tomas Machac. This streak of instability is raising questions about his potential decline from the peak of his game.
However, the fact remains that Djokovic is the only player to have bested Rafael Nadal twice here in his fortress at the French Open.
Carballes Baena defeated Lestienne for his sixth career win in Paris, advancing to the second round for the third consecutive year.
Carballes Baena made his Grand Slam debut on the Centre Court of the US Open first round on August 26, 2019. Who was his opponent? None other than Novak Djokovic, who went on to defeat him in straight sets.
Djokovic vs Carballes Baena Betting Tips and Predictions
Though Djokovic is far from his 24-time Grand Slam winning form, he should have no difficulty defeating Carballes Baena with his French Open title at stake. Carballes Baena is known to be a clay specialist and also made the top 50 for a brief period last year, but his odds against the Serb legends are slim.
- Djokovic to win 3-1 @ 13/5
- Djokovic to win @ 1/40
Djokovic and Carballes Baena will play on Court Philippe-Chatrier, not before 8:15pm local time this Thursday evening. While you wait, make sure to check out our overall winner predictions for the French Open 2024.
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