Six ATP players outside Nadal to watch during the French Open

After the Miami Open ends on Sunday, the clay-court season gets underway. That means tennis fans are gearing up for what will obviously be obviously one of the most interesting Grand Slam tournaments of the year: the French Open. But with so many strong players out there and 11-time champion Rafael Nadal dealing with injury issues, predicting who will win could be tough. Here is a list of six men who have a chance of contending…if Nadal falters.

1. Novak Djokovic

Djokovic struggled with injuries throughout the first half of last season. He raised his level during the clay-court swing but still lost at Roland Garros in the quarterfinals to underdog Marco Cecchinato. Now No. 1 in the world and holder of three slam titles, Djokovic should have a much better chance this time around. But he won’t be favored over Nadal following early losses in Indian Wells and Miami.

2. Dominic Thiem

Compared to other players, Thiem’s real strength lies in his mental attitude. According to him, he goes into any match with the expectation that he will win–especially on clay, of course. Still only 25 years old, he has all the drive needed to become No. 1 in the world perhaps following the Nadal, Djokovic, and Roger Federer era.

3. Kei Nishikori

As one of the most consistent players on tour, Nishikori can also really turn up the heat and beat anyone during any particular tournament. Although an injury to his wrist affected him in 2017, he quickly returned to the tune of an outstanding 2018 campaign. Clay-court results included a final in Monte-Carlo and the quarterfinals in Rome. Those who placed their bets on him at sbobet in the past have done well.

4. Stefanos Tsitsipas

Tsitsipas not only joined Denis Shapovalov as the only teenagers to be among the top 100, but he has now also reached the top 10. As a former No. 1 junior player, the Greek’s ambition is to win titles and become No. 1 on the main circuit. Last spring in Barcelona he ousted Thiem, Diego Schwartzman, and Pablo Carreno Busta before falling to Nadal in the final. Just like Shapolav he also plays a fearless, brash brand of tennis.

5. Kyle Edmund

In November of 2015, Edmund appeared in the Davis Cup final against Belgium’s David Goffin. On the advice of Andy Murray, who saw his fellow Brit’s potential, captain Leon Smith chose Edmund for the second singles spot. Edmund dominated Goffin with devastating foreheads and powerful serving for two seats, as this gamble nearly paid off. Since then he has steadily climbed and will likely be a top 20 seed at Roland Garros.

6. Alexander Zverev

After joining the pro circuit in 2014, Zverev has assumed a spot near the top of the sport in recent seasons. However, many people are still wondering whether he can his produce normal level when he plays at slams–particularly at the French Open this year. The German defeated Thiem in Madrid in 2018 but lost to Thiem in the French Open quarterfinals. A bet on him at sbobet would not be a bad idea.