Stan Wawrinka v Andy Murray: Prediction, Tips and Odds

It’s expected to be the last time the pair compete at the French Open, but it’s also likely to be normal service resumed when Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray clash on the opening day of the clay-court Grand Slam on Sunday 26th May in Paris.

Murray leads his Swiss friend 13-10 in their career meetings, but on the slow red terrain it’s a different story with Wawrinka holding a 6-1 advantage over the Briton.

Because of that, Wawrinka is an 8/15 chance to win the clash with Murray a 6/4 outsider. And while Murray is confident that his ankle injury concerns are behind him, that may not save the legendary Scot from an early exit in the French capital this year.

Stan Wawrinka v Andy Murray betting tips and predictions

Stan Wawrinka -3.5 games on handicap - 10/11

Wawrinka is 8/15 for victory, which may suit some punters, but for those whom that price may seem a bit short, backing the favourite to successfully concede a handicap start of 3.5 games to his opponent at 10/11 also appeals.

Murray has had his moments against Wawrinka on clay, but essentially their history has been a one-sided story when it comes to the slow red courts, on which the Swiss loves to play.

The Brit’s class has told on faster terrain, but on clay Murray has most definitely been second best.

The last five sets the pair have contested on the terrain have all gone the way of Wawrinka - 6-1 6-3 6-2 in the 2020 French Open and and 6-3 6-0 in Bordeaux last year.

Murray has won only nine of the last 39 sets the pair have played on clay, so it’s no wonder the odds are against him going into their 24th career meeting.

Both players are three-time Grand Slam singles champions and it’s fair to say they know their way around a court.

Murray, whose participation was in doubt recently, is happy to be playing a role in Paris. But while a season or two ago it looked as if he might stage one final high-level hurrah, it just hasn’t happened for Murray and that has clearly led him to the brink of retirement from the sport he loves.

Wawrinka’s time is reportedly nigh, too, although he has been playing more consistently than Murray and that avoidance of injury is another reason for siding with the market leader in this encounter.

The 2015 French Open champion has fallen short this year to some decent performers as well - another reason for a bet on the Swiss. This year he has lost to Adrian Mannarino in the Australian Open, Nicolas Jarry in Buenos Aires, Facundo Diaz Acosta in Rio, Tomas Machac in Indian Wells, Mariano Navone in Marrakech, Alex de Minaur in Monte Carlo and Nuno Borges in Bucharest, all improving sorts.

Stan Wawrinka to win 3-0 - 11/4

It’s not the main recommendation, but it could easily come good if Wawrinka gets into gear and Murray struggles to engage in this evening clash.

The Swiss has won in straight sets in five of the pair’s previous seven clay meetings, so the stats are definitely with 3-0 backers - and the price is difficult to quibble with too.

Murray’s last four defeats this year have seen him lose in straight sets, so there may not be much left in the Scot’s tank should he be forced to dig deep against Wawrinka.

Under 9.5 first-set games - 1/1

Start as you mean to go on, as the saying goes, and Wawrinka could do that on Sunday evening.

It’s 1/1 that no more than nine first-set games will be contested in the Swiss’s opening match against Murray and there is a decent chance that recent history could repeat itself.

Ten or more games to be played in set one is an 8/11 shot, but the clash is probably less likely to be close than otherwise, especially given Murray’s struggles on court in recent seasons.

Read more tennis betting tips and predictions on site.

Stan Wawrinka v Andy Murray odds

Stan Wawrinka - 8/15
Andy Murray - 6/4

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.