Nadal Impresses Early at French Open | IXGAMES
Maybe Rafael Nadal still has something left in the tank after all. Despite going into the 2015 French Open as the No. 6 seed, and the second favorite on the futures market at 7/2 (down from 9/4 last week), Nadal looked very good in Tuesday’s first-round victory over Quentin Halys (+2500). The defending and nine-time French Open champion needed less than two hours to defeat Halys in straight sets. Nadal now has a career record of 67-1 in men’s singles play at Roland Garros. Meanwhile, No. 1 seed and top favorite Novak Djokovic is off to the second round after breezing past Jarkko Nieminen (+2500). Djokovic, who has yet to win the French Open, saw his odds tighten a bit from 4/5 to 5/6 going into Tuesday’s match. He and Nadal will meet in the quarterfinals this year, provided they advance that far. It was business as usual in the women’s draw as top favorite Serena Williams (11/4, down from 5/2) and defending champion Maria Sharapova (4/1) both sailed through the opening round in straight sets. They’re pointed at a finals matchup, unless third favorite Simona Halep (9/2) or someone else can play spoiler.