The bottom half of the draw includes Novak Djokovic, Sam Querrey, Victor Hanescu, Juan Carlos Ferrero, David Ferrer, Jurgen Melzer, Juan Monaco, and Andy Roddick. While Juan Monaco is a clay specialist, he has shown consistent vulnerability, both with his lack of weaponry, and with him sustaining a wrist injury. The injury requires surgery but Monaco is playing through the pain at a reduced level of effectiveness. He may tough out a few matches but taking him to advance with any momentum should be done at your own peril.

Traditionally, Andy Roddick and his American compatriots have been avoided on this clay surface. While there has not been a significant improvement in his clay court abilities, Roddick does have a draw that could easily see him through at least the first round. If there is a player who can make an impression without much clay court preparation, it is Roddick, who can earn free points with his serve. He happens to be playing an opponent who himself has not had success on clay this year. Still, Roddick should only be taken with caution. It is safe to say that the winner of this quarter will have earned his way because there are no clear-cut favorites in our opinion. Jurgen Melzer actually has one of the better clay court resumes this year going into the French Open. While his Grand Slam history leaves much to be desired, he has put in the work on the very surface that he grew up on. Expect Melzer v Sela to result in a Melzer victory, and expect Melzer v Zverev or Melzer v Mahut to result in another Melzer victory. In fact, riding the Melzer value train until it goes off the rails may not be such a bad idea.

Sam Querrey presents what we like to call a mirage, and there is no evidence to suggest that this is the wrong call in this situation. While the first round Querrey v Ginepri matchup seems like a cakewalk for Querrey, there will be lapses in the match where Sam will struggle mightily. These same lapses occur in each match that Sam participates in, and the best-of-five set format will ultimately get the best of him without question. For bettors, history has shown that wagering against Sam when he is a strong favorite will result in good profits over the long run. Betting on Sam in large, quality events will result in the inevitable loss of profits.

Novak Djokovic actually has the easiest road to the quarter finals, so expect Djokovic v Nishikori and Djokovic v Hanescu to result in victories for the Serbian. Do not take young Nishikori too lightly in this pairing, however. An over games scenario is not out of the question.

Ferrer, Verdasco, Bellucci, and Nadal are the other favorites that we like to advance with conviction through their first round matches. An accumulator that includes these and other wagers would not be out of the realm of possibilities.