Alcaraz favourite for Wimbledon after French Open win

Carlos Alcaraz won the French Open on Sunday, defeating Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-setter (6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2) to claim his third Grand Slam.

In doing so, the 21-year-old also secured his position as favourite to win Wimbledon, which gets underway in London less than three weeks from now.

New world No.1 Jannik Sinner is the only other player within touching distance of the Spaniard at tennis bookmakers ahead of the year’s third Grand Slam. Alcaraz is paying +137 to win, while Sinner is on +162.

Alcaraz shows all-surface prowess with third Grand Slam title

It’s been an impressive career so far for young Alcaraz. At the tender age of 21, he’s already won as many Grand Slams as Andy Murray.

What’s particularly special is the Spaniard’s surface versatility.

Claiming his first Grand Slam on the US Open hard courts in 2022, he then went on to win his next on the grass of Wimbledon the following year. Now, having lifted the trophy on the Parisian clay, Alcaraz becomes the youngest-ever player to win a slam on all three surfaces.

But he was made to work hard for his victory at Roland-Garros.

After getting up a set early on against Zverev, Alcaraz was faced with a stern comeback by the German, who took the next two sets.

This was not the first time Zverev had been a set away from lifting a major trophy, nor was it the first time Alcaraz had been close to exiting the tournament.

In dominant fashion, Alcaraz powered back into the match. Leveraging his superior fitness, he raced through the final two sets 6-1, 6-2.

Two-horse race at Wimbledon

With Alcaraz heading to Wimbledon as the betting favourite and defending champion, the tournament is very much looking like a two-horse race.

Sinner will give him a robust challenge, but outside of that, the competition is looking sparse.

Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic is paying +350 to win at Bovada, but he is almost certain not to play due to knee surgery. Next best are Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev, both way back on +1600.

Brave punters might want to look at some dark horses, considering how extreme the Wimbledon odds are shaping up to be.

Matteo Berrettini (+2500) is a former Wimbledon finalist who boasts four titles on grass courts. The Italian is blessed with a huge forehand and serve, which are both big advantages on the slick surfaces of the All England Club.

Hubert Hurkacz (+2500) is a former Wimbledon semi-finalist and a two-time Masters 1000 winner. The Pole has the best serve on tour, while he is playing the best tennis of his life in 2024.

Denis Shapovalov (+10000) is also a former Wimbledon semi-finalist. The Canadian has an incredible power game and is just returning to form after several years marred by injuries and low motivation.

With the odds certain to shift once Djokovic’s withdrawal is confirmed, Wimbledon punters looking for top value should get their bets in now.

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