French Open: Latest

Andy Murray has made smooth progress into the third round of the French Open, defeating Italian Simone Bolelli 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 7-5 on a blustery day at Roland Garros. Although a straight-sets win, the British number one was forced to work hard throughout to guarantee his passage into the last 32. He is still a best price of 16/1 with Boylesports to claim his first Grand Slam title.

Murray’s stagnation in the betting is hardly surprising with all the big guns surviving thus far. However, the story could have been rather different with defending champion Rafa Nadal taken to five sets by American John Isner in round one. The world number one trailed by two sets to one before recovering to avoid one of the biggest ever upsets in Paris. The bookies have barely raised an eyebrow, maintaining the Spaniard’s favouritism at 6/5 with Bluesquare.

2011 sensation Novak Djokovic is yet to break into a sweat having eased into round three after his latest opponent, Victor Hansecu retired hurt. Sportingbet, perhaps regretting their pre-tournament generosity, have trimmed the Serbian slightly to 6/4. The man most on the move in the betting is Swiss legend Roger Federer. After just one convincing display, Boylesports have fallen into line with several other firms, making the 16-time Slam winner a 12/1 shot.

In contrast, the women’s tournament could not be more unpredictable. World number two Kim Cljsters has been ignominiously dumped out at the second round stage by Arantxa Rus, ranked 114 in the world. The Belgian squandered two match points before losing 3-6 7-5 6-1. Caroline Wozniacki looked like an unconvincing top seed as she edged into round three 6-3 7-6 (8-6). Boylesports have pushed her out to 7/1 as a result.

Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova looked on the verge of elimination at one set and 4-1 down in the second. At that point Betfred had pushed the Russian out to 12/1. Twenty minutes, and one miraculous comeback later and the number seven seed was restored to 6/1 second favourite. Having only completed one match so far, Victoria Azarenka remains top billing with the bookies, at 9/2 with StanJames.