French Open preview and odds: Serena Williams vs Magdalena Rybarikova

Published on: 21/05/2016

French Open preview and odds: Serena Williams vs Magdalena Rybarikova

May 22, 2016 TBC - Roland Garros

Serena Williams will begin the defence of her French Open title against World No. 76 Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia with the American aiming for her fourth Roland Garros crown.

Can Serena match Steffi?

World No. 1 Serena Williams will be aiming to equal Steffi Graf`s haul of 22 Grand Slam when she takes to the clay courts of Roland Garros next week. The three-time former winner and reigning champion will kick off her campaign against a player that she has only ever played once before.

The American`s first appearance on clay this season resulted in a trophy as she cruised to victory in Rome without dropping a set. Surprisingly, that was her first title since she bagged the Cincinnati crown back in August 2015. Her last Grand Slam triumph came against Garbine Muguruza at Wimbledon last year.

Magdalena Rybarikova has yet to progress beyond the second round of the French Open in eight previous appearances. Her cause will not be helped this year by facing the World No. 1 at the first hurdle. However, she is a talented player and will be looking to take advantage of Serena`s habit of staying in first gear during the early rounds of big tournaments.

The Slovakian player peaked at World No. 31 three years ago but has now slipped back down the rankings and currently resides in 76th place in the table. She has played less than one set of tennis on clay since last year`s tournament having retired injured in Trnava.

Betting predictions

A difficult task for Rybarikova has been made even harder by her lack of hours on clay. Even a slow-starting Serena should have no problems cruising into the second round.

In the Games Handicap market Back Serena -8 at Evens with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 21/05/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (21/05/2016 12:44:16) but are subject to change.