2008 French Open Women's Tennis Odds & Predictions
The women's version of the 2008 French Open holds just as much
intrigue as the men's version. Like Rafael Nadal, Justine Henin
is going for her fourth straight French Open title, trying to
break the record she shares with Monica Seles. Find out if
Jimmy Boyd thinks the little
Belgian can do it again as he weighs the field in his 2008
French Open predictions.
The Favorite: Henin is the odds on favorite in the French and she should be. She has won
three consecutive French Open titles and four of the last five. The Belgian has
won 41 WTA singles titles in her career and seven Grand Slams to solidify her as
one of the all-time greats. So in case you haven't already figured it out by
these stats, Henin is the world number one that all the other competitors will
be gunning for. Unlike other tennis players, like John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, or
Serena Williams, who often let their emotions get the best of them, Henin is
considered the Tiger Woods of tennis in that her mental makeup is unmatched. She
also thrives because her technique is flawless from her footwork to her swing.
She is considered to have on of the best backhands in the world.
The Longshot: It usually takes quick players to have a chance on the clay courts of the
French, but Williams' length makes up for it and that's what makes her a force
to be reckoned with in this tournament. The former world number one has no lack
of experience in major tournaments where she has six singles Grand Slams and 14
total Grand Slam wins. Her powerful serve could also be a major factor. Her
height allows her to swing down on the ball from a higher point than most other
players and with the way the ball jumps off the clay, I anticipate her serve
giving opponents major problems. Venus Williams is the best value bet in this
field by far.
Boyd's Pick: I like Sharapova here showing solid value as she has been the most
consistent womens tennis player since 2004, holding the longest streak of any
current player for consecutive weeks ranked in the top ten. She is currently the
number three ranked female in the world. While Henin has been dominant on clay,
Sharapova has what it takes to beat her this time around. Also, the French Open
is the only Grand Slam that Sharapova has not won so she will especially be
gunning for it. Earlier this year, in the Australian Open, Sharapova defeated
world number one Justine Henin in straight sets to snap her 32-match winning
streak. She then went on to win the Australian Open. Another major key is that
Sharapova won the Tier II Bausch and Lomb Championship last month in a tune up
for the French. It was her first ever clay court title. Having beaten Henin on
her way to winning the first Grand Slam of the year and then winning a clay
court tournament has Sharapova entering the French with a ton of confidence.
Take Sharapova at the French.
