SkySports tennis commentator James Buttler takes a look at the gold medal contenders in the Men's Singles at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The absence of Sinner opens the door to Alcaraz Olympic gold
When it comes to Paris 2024 and the men's quest for a tennis singles gold medal, most people were suggesting it was a four cheval race, but with the withdrawal of world no.1 Jannick Sinner, he's suffering from tonsillitis so probably a bit cheval himself, does that mean we're down to three?
The Olympics will be played on the famous clay of Roland Garros between 27 July and they'll wrap up on the 4 August. Olympic tennis will be played on clay for the first time since Barcelona 1992 and that means the red court specialists will be rubbing their hands with glee.
So, let's take a look at the men with the best chance of finishing top of the podium at the home of the French Open.
Of those fancied three, Novak Djokovic is a three-time winner of the French Open in 2016, 2021 and 2023, but probably doesn't class himself as a specialist on the clay. He's just a genuinely great tennis player. He won a bronze medal at the Olympics in 2008 and there's not much missing from the Serb's CV, but an Olympic gold is a gap he'd love to fill. He was recovering from knee surgery at Wimbledon and still made the final. He should be fighting fit now. He's 7/2 to claim gold, but he's not for me.
Rafael Nadal has two Olympic gold on his mantelpiece. He won the singles in 2008 and the doubles in 2016. Dogged by injury in recent years, though, he is 14 times winner of the French Open. He has owned Roland Garros between 2005 and 2022, but his claims are weakening after turning 38 in June. He may well pick up a medal, but I don't think it will be gold. He's 12/1, but it's not a price I'm taking.
My pick to win the gold medal is Carlos Alcaraz. The 21-year-old is riding the crest of a wave. He was the beaten finalist at the French Open in 2023 when he lost to Djokovic, but he gained revenge this season and added a second Wimbledon to take his Grand Slam tally to three. In the absence of Sinner, Alcaraz is best price of 7/5 to win the gold medal for Spain. I appreciate you want big prices, but a 7/5 winner is far better than a 20/1 loser and I think Alcaraz will be smiling again.
Outside Olympic Selections
If you want a couple of outsiders, Alexander Zverev is the defending Olympic champion, and despite not winning a Grand Slam, he's maybe worth a look at 8/1.
Arthur Fils, the Frenchman is 100/1 and he's a decent each way play in his home Olympics.
Farewell Andy Murray
I can't do this without mentioning Andy Murray. The Scot is one of my favourite ever sports players and this is his last hurrah. Thanks for the memories, Muzza, and good luck.
That said, I can't recommend you back him at 150/1 to win a third Olympic singles gold medal, no matter how much I wish it would happen.
Carlos Alcaraz for me at 7/5 and an each way nibble on Arthur Fils at 100/1.
Please gamble responsibly.