Rafael Nadal begins his quest for a 10th French Open title tonight when he takes on wildcard, Quentin Halys, in the first round.
Join The Roar for live scores of the match after the Kvitova and Erakovic match which should be around 9:00pm AEST.
It’s the perfect opening round match for the Spaniard, who faces a player making his debut in the main draw of a Grand Slam for the first time.
Nadal, who hasn’t been in his best form heading into the event, is under real pressure to defend his title for the sixth straight year.
Many experts, for the first time, are really doubtful whether the Spaniard can win the title.
Every year he is always a chance, because of his clay ability, but many are questioning if his form can defeat the best at the end of the event.
That will be put to the test with his draw as he is due to face Djokovic in the quarter finals, Murray in the semi-finals, and either Federer or Nishikori in the final.
First things first though he has to contend with an up and coming French youngster.
Halys, who is ranked 296 in the world, is just 18 years of age and won the junior doubles title here last year. He has also had a solid start to his professional career in 2015.
Two wins on the ITF circuit, in France and England, and a record of 27 wins and 12 losses sees him pushing towards the top 200 towards the end of the year.
He will have plenty of nerves tonight and that could be pounced on by Nadal if he struggles early. This is a massive mismatch.
One is a nine-time champ with the other a debutant.
The bookies – who amazingly are offering head to head odds – are offering up to 51 dollars on the Frenchman to win tonight.
Nadal should win the match comfortably tonight and will concede less than 10 games in the process.
Halys may play well at times, and win a few games, but Nadal won’t be troubled tonight.
PREDICTION – Nadal 3-0.
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