2008 Women’s French Open Odds

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.

Odds to win the 2008 French Open

Justine Henin 3-2 Serena Williams 5-1

Maria Sharapova 7-1

Ana Ivanovic 7-1

Jelena Jankovic 10-1

Venus Williams 12-1

Svetlana Kuznetsova 16-1

Nicole Vaidisova 20-1

Anna Chakvetadze 50-1

Agnieszka Radwanska 50-1

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