Gael Monfils an intriguing wildcard for this year’s French Open
Published:Gael Monfils heads-up the list of wildcards for this year’s French Open.
The 26-year-old Frenchman has genuine pedigree at Roland Garros, having made the semi-finals here back in 2008.
The Parisian has had a career hampered by injury, but despite struggling in the other three Slams he has always performed admirably on the clay in his hometown.
In addition to his appearance in the last-four five years ago he also has two quarter finals under his belt, with his latest coming as recently as 2011.
In each of his appearances in the latter stages of this event Monfils has been stopped in his tracks by the great Roger Federer. He even took the Swiss to four sets in their 2008 meeting, before the then world number one’s class shone through as he went on to demolish Rafa Nadal in three sets in the final.
The former French number one has started to show some impressive form on the dust, disposing useful operators in the shape of David Goffin and Michael Llodra on his way to a much-needed title win in Bordeaux.
The pedigree of Monfils, paired with his upward turn of form make him great value for those looking for an each-way punt at 250/1.
Fellow countryman Nicolas Mahut is the only other notable name to have been handed a wildcard for his home Slam.
The 31-year-old has endured a terrible start to the clay court season, losing five of his six clashes on the surface and it will take a punter with great confidence to back him at 7500/1.
On the women’s side of the draw it is another native who catches the eye from those given a route into the Paris showpiece.
Virginie Razzano has made the fourth round at this event and has a strong record at the Slams going as deep as the fourth in all-but the Australian Open.
The Dijon-born 30-year-old was responsible for one of the tournament’s biggest shocks when she beat Serena Williams in the opening round last year, and those fancying her to produce more magic on the red stuff may be tempted with an each-way dabble on her 1000/1 price.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publication
