THE quarter-finals of the French Open get underway today with world No.3 Roger Federer in action against home favourite Gael Monfils.
Parisien Monfils, the world No.9, upset the form book and myself on Monday when he sent David Ferrer packing in a five-set thriller. Some you win some you lose.
He will have the Roland Garros crowd cheering his every move for the third day in a row against Swiss legend Fed. While the cheers were enough to see off Spaniard Ferrer I just can't see it working this time for Monfils.
The pair have previous and while Monfils will take heart from beating Fed in their last meeting in 2010 his opponent still holds a 5-1 lead overall. If that doesn't convince you to back Fed consider that the 2009 French Open champ has won their three meetings on clay.
Federer is best-priced 1-7 with William Hill, Betfred, Skybet, Paddy Power, sportingbet and Stan James. Monfils is a big outsider at 27-5 with Boylesports. Federer will win this one and most likely in straight sets (19-20 sportingbet).
If Monfils is to cause another shock he would probably go five sets again (14-1, Stan James).
Tournament favourite, not mine but the bookies', Novak Djokovic will be resting up as he awaits the winner following the withdrawal through injury of surprise quarter-finalist Fabio Fognini of Italy.
Recommendation
Federer 3-0
(19-20, Sportingbet)
