WORLD No.1 and five-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal is back in action today at Roland Garros – in a repeat of last year's final.
Twelve months ago the Mallorcan captured his fifth title in Paris, beating today's opponent Robin Soderling 6-4 6-2 6-4.
Nadal has won five of his seven meetings with the Swedish world No.5 – but for the record Soderling won their 2009 battle at Roland Garros.
On that occasion he triumphed in four sets in the last 16 before going on to face Roger Federer in the final. So we know Soderling has the beating of Nadal.
But Soderling's success of two years ago ended Nadal's 31-game winning streak at the French Open and having won last year I'm backing ‘The King of Clay” to land another Paris crown.
He'll be too strong for Soderling today but I believe Nadal will need four sets to reach the semi-finals.
There's money to be made in his generous price of 1-3 (Skybet, Paddy Power, Stan James, Boylesports and William Hill). Soderling is 290-100 with Sportingbet.
Sportingbet offer the best price (14-5) on my forecast of 3-1 Nadal. Paddy Power and William Hill go 13-8 on Nadal in straight sets while 3-2 for the Spaniard is 6-1 with Betfred, Sportingbet, Skybet and Stan James.
In the unlikely event of Soderling winning 3-0 you would be quids in at 11-1 (Betfred, Blue Square, 888sport). It's 9-1 with Betfred for 3-1 and 10-1 at Sportingbet for 3-2.
Recommendation
Nadal 3, Soderling 1
(14-5, Sportingbet)
