Tennis Odds: The Rio Open begins on Monday with Rafael Nadal listed as the favorite to win the clay court tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This ATP 500 event features a strong field led by Nadal and fellow Spaniard David Ferrer. Let’s look at the event and tennis picks.
Rafael Nadal
The former No. 1 ranked Nadal comes into this event ranked third in the world, but when it comes to playing on clay there is no one better. Nadal won the inaugural Rio Open a year ago and he is the favorite to win again this year. Nadal is beginning his preparation for the French Open which takes place on clay. Nadal will be playing the Rio Open and the Argentina Open. Nadal said that the transition from hard courts to clay can be difficult and does take some time.
“To switch from hard courts to clay can be tough, it’s one of the ultra famous rules of tennis.” Nadal said, “We all know it, players know it very well for sure, but every year we hear them saying it, we ask about it, we want to be reassured the absolute is still an unbreakable rule.”
Nadal won this event a year ago as he defeated Alexandr Dolgopolov in straight sets in the final. “I am thrilled to have the chance to return to the Rio Open and defend my title,” said Nadal. “Playing in the inaugural event in Rio this year was an incredible experience and the support from the crowd was unmatched. From visiting Corcovado, to my first football match at Maracanã stadium, to the beaches and the energy of the people, Rio de Janeiro is a special place and I look forward to experiencing it again.”
Nadal has an all-time record of 318-24 on clay.
Other Contenders
If Nadal doesn’t win this event then the logical choice to beat him would be Ferrer. He is the next highest ranked player in the field at No. 9 in the world. “This tournament is extremely well organized,” Ferrer said. “Rio de Janeiro is beautiful and the atmosphere created by the public makes Rio Open as one of the most remarkable tournaments of the year to me.”
The only other player ranked in the top 20 in the world is Tommy Robredo. Anyone other than Nadal, Ferrer or Robredo winning this event would be a huge surprise.
Tennis Picks
If the field was stronger then perhaps a case could be made for going against Nadal but with Ferrer the only real threat, Nadal should win once again in Rio.
