2012 French Open Day 6: Roger Federer vs Nicolas Mahut Preview

Roger Federer's quest to win a 17th Grand Slam title continues on Day 6 of the 2012 French Open as the Swiss Maestro is scheduled to face Nicolas Mahut in third round action from Roland Garros.

Federer is into the third round of this year's clay-court slam perhaps not playing his best tennis so far, however he does not appear to be facing a threat in his third round opponent. 

Mahut is into the third round having won a couple matches in a very weak section of the draw that only featured Andy Roddick, a talented player but one whose best tennis appears to be behind him. Additionally, even when Roddick was playing much better tennis, he rarely showcased his skills on clay.

Mahut and Federer, both 30 years old, have faced one another three times in the past and on each occasion Federer has taken down a straight sets victory. Few are expecting a competitive match and the betting odds make Federer a heavy favorite as bet365, for example, have the World No. 3 at -8000 (1/80) to win straight up.

Ahead of the quarterfinals, there does not appear to be anything in Federer's way at this year's French Open. Following his likely defeat of Mahut, Federer can face no one more proven than Lukasz Kubot, a player that is hardly a pushover but one who is 0-2 in Grand Slam fourth round matches. 

Federer and Mahut are scheduled to play fourth on Court Philippe Chatrier on Friday, following the Fabio Fognini vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga match-up.

Having lost a set to Adrian Ungur, it's tough to recommend backing Federer to beat Mahut in straight sets as the French player can be tricky sometimes. Sports bettors might want to take a stab at Mahut's game handicap of +9.5 (bet365) as he should be motivated to represent himself better than that in front of what promises to be a partial French audience.