2022 French Open Finals: Rafael Nadal vs. Casper Ruud Odds, Predictions, Previews
We made it! We have reached the final match here at Roland-Garros, better known as the French Open. If you read my preview article, you saw that I said that one of these finalists was a deep sleeper to win it, and he is up against an absolute legend in the sport. To say either of these finalists had an easy road would be foolish.
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How did they get here?
Nadal: Rafael Nadal went through an absolute gauntlet to get here, breezing through his first matchup with Van de Zandschulp and showing his only glimmer at a chance of defeat in his Fourth Round match with young upstart sensation Felix Auger-Aliassime, winning in five sets (3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3). After that, he pummeled top-seeded Novak Djokovic in a match that was not as close as the 3-1 score even represents. He then was up one set from a tiebreaker, heading into another tiebreaker when Alexander Zverev had to retire, giving Nadal a bid in the final. Look for him to be well-rested for this Final.
Ruud: Casper Ruud is a player that I have had my eye on for a while now, especially on this surface. He is the second-best prospect in the world on clay, behind 19-year-old phenom Carlos Alcaraz, and he showed it in a big way in Paris. He had a huge come-from-behind win against Lorenzo Sonego, where he was down 2-1 after losing a set 6-1, and he turned it around to win 6-4, 6-3 in the last two sets. He followed that with wins over Polish stud Hubert Hurkacz and Holger Rune, who had just taken down Stefano Tsitsipas the round prior. He took down Marin Cilic in the semis by ripping off three straight sets in impressive fashion after losing the first set.
The Pick: Both Players to Win a Set -134 (via FanDuel)
Rafael Nadal (-580) is a huge favorite in this matchup, and for a good reason. He is the record holder for most singles titles in the event’s history in men’s or women’s competitions with 13. The next closest person is eight. It would be foolish to try and create logic to think anyone could beat him in a best of five series of sets right now, but we have to find some value! Casper Ruud’s resilience and sheer skill make him a top player in the world, and he deserves respect as such. Rafael Nadal will be rested, but is that a good thing? Being in form in tennis especially requires rigorous training and playing. While I am sure he is not taking the time for granted, one would have to think that he may save some energy early on to see if he needs that next gear that we all have grown accustomed to seeing him do when the lights are brightest. There is a reason why there is some juice on this line, and I am happy to pay the price for what I think will be a 3-1 victory for Nadal to raise his 14th French Open trophy.
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