As the French Open unfolds, former World no 1 Andy Roddick shares his insights in the Betway Insider, warning tennis fans not to underestimate Novak Djokovic despite a rocky season. Roddick also shares some bold takes on Djokovic, Iga Swiatek and world no 7 Lorenzo Musetti.
Djokovic: Still a Threat
Roddick admits Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who’ve won the last five Grand Slams, are the men’s favorites, but he cautions against doubting Djokovic. The 24-time major champion, struggled on clay, until his Geneva Open win last week. “Novak isn’t scared of those guys,” Roddick says, noting Djokovic’s belief that his best tennis can topple Sinner or Alcaraz. At odds around 10 times the money to claim the title in Paris, he’s a long shot behind Alcaraz and Sinner, but Roddick warns, “Bet against Novak at your own peril”. A potential Sinner-Alcaraz final would be “must-see TV,” but Djokovic’s experience could disrupt the script.
Women’s Draw: Swiatek Underrated
On the women’s side, Roddick believes Iga Swiatek, the four-time French Open champion, is being overlooked despite her strong Paris record. Judged against her own high standards, Swiatek’s 2025 season hasn’t matched her sweeps from last year, but Roddick argues a tough draw will sharpen her focus. “She’s never lost a Grand Slam final,” he notes, predicting a chip on her shoulder by the quarterfinals. Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, is the betting favorite but Roddick wouldn’t sleep on Swiatek, as well as Madison Keys, the 2025 Australian Open winner, who is also “under the radar”.
Lorenzo Musetti is clearly a semifinal contender, with his improved consistency. “He’s one of the best players in the world now,” Roddick says, expecting the Italian to shine on clay. For the men, Roddick sees 12–15 players in contention, a shift from Rafael Nadal’s 14-title dominance. Further, he also reflects on Naomi Osaka’s first-round exit, saying fans shouldn’t overreact given her comeback from maternity leave.
Roddick, a past US Open winner with 32 ATP titles, certainly brings credibility as Betway’s Global Tennis Ambassador. His podcast, Served, and columns often nail predictions, like backing Sinner for the 2025 Australian Open.
