SportsLine expert identifies Sinner as French Open favourite ahead of Paris clash
Jannik Sinner enters the 130th edition of the French Open as the heavy favourite, while Aryna Sabalenka faces scrutiny over her clay court preparation.
Tennis handicapper Jose Onorato has released his expert predictions and best bets for the 2026 French Open via SportsLine. With the 130th edition of the tournament commencing in Paris, Onorato has identified Jannik Sinner as the heavy favourite in the men’s draw. This assessment is supported by Sinner’s perfect 17-0 record on clay in 2026 and the absence of injured rival Carlos Alcaraz.
Onorato highlighted Sinner’s dominance on the surface, noting that the Italian player claimed five Masters 1000 titles this season. By winning the Monte-Carlo, Madrid, and Rome tournaments in the same year, Sinner joined Rafael Nadal as the only players to sweep all three clay Masters 1000 events in a single season. His career clay win percentage stands at 76.0 per cent, second only to Novak Djokovic among active players.
The latest French Open odds reflect this confidence, with Sinner priced as a heavy -310 favourite. He is followed by Alexander Zverev at 12-1 and Novak Djokovic at 13-1. Onorato described the case for Sinner as "almost uncomfortably clean," citing a favourable draw in the top half and the clear path to the title now that Alcaraz is ruled out due to injury.
In the women’s draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka is highlighted as a key contender, despite concerns regarding her recent clay court preparation. Onorato noted that Sabalenka only played Madrid and Rome in the clay swing, suffering a second-round loss to Sorana Cirstea in Rome. However, he pointed to her improved physical tools and a developed drop shot as assets that make her a dangerous opponent at +200 odds.
The women’s field also features Iga Swiatek, widely recognised for her clay court dominance, and defending champion Coco Gauff. Onorato, who has a proven track record including correct calls for Sinner at the 2025 Australian Open and Alcaraz at the 2025 French Open, provided a full preview of his picks. His analysis is available exclusively on SportsLine, where he also identified two longshots priced above 25-1.
