Youzhny and Tomic can continue ruthless clay performances

With no full-blown shocks having occurred as of yet in the French Open, Thursday’s men’s games don’t seem to show the chance for one, and Mikhail Youzhny looks particularly appealing at 8/15 to beat Robin Haase.

Russian Youzhny is taking part in his 12th Roland Garros tournament, and having won the tournament twice, few would bet against him progressing past the second round this year.

It is also worth noting that Youzhny has achieved a top three finish in nine of his 11 previous French Open tournaments, which is an indication to his undoubted pedigree on the clay surface.

He should have too much class for his opponent, and could claim a second straight sets win of the competition, against a man whose previous best Roland Garros performance was a foray into the second round.

Bernard Tomic also looks well-priced on day five of the tournament, attributed a 4/5 price to overcome Colombian Santiago Giraldo.

Tomic’s much-improved recent showings on clay have reaped eight victories on the surface, all within the last month, and one of which came against Giraldo in Rome only two weeks ago.

This will give the 19-year-old Australian immense confidence, as he searches for the win that would set up a potential third round tie with Andy Murray.

In the women’s ties on Thursday meanwhile, British starlet Heather Watson could see some support from patriotic punters, as a 5/2 shot to best Julia Goerges.

Watson completed a fourth straight victory over Elena Vesnina to set up this tie, and her admitted love for the Roland Garros clay courts will lead many to believe she can cause an upset on Thursday.

Elsewhere, American Christina McHale looks good value to overcome compatriot Lauren Davis in a second round clash.

McHale is 2/5 for victory, which appeals bearing in mind she has advanced past at least the second round during her last three Grand Slam appearances.

An accumulator on the above selections pays more than 12/1 with Ladbrokes.

French Open selections

Mikhail Youzhny to beat Robin Haase @ 8/15
Bernard Tomic to beat Santiago Giraldo @ 4/5
Heather Watson to beat Julia Goerges @ 5/2
Christina McHale to beat Lauren Davis @ 2/5

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.