Canadian Open 2026: Rafael Jodar vs Corentin Moutet Preview
The Canadian Open rolls on in Montreal, one of the most prestigious hard court events on the ATP calendar and a genuine stepping stone toward the US Open Series. Jannik Sinner is the defending champion after winning this title last year, and the Italian’s standard sets the benchmark for what it takes to win here. For the players still fighting their way through the draw, this surface rewards power, consistency, and the ability to construct points quickly. Sinner won’t be anyone’s concern just yet for Jodar and Moutet, who face each other Wednesday in a fascinating contrast of styles.
Rafael Jodar
Rafael Jodar sits at ATP #29 with 1461 ranking points, and that ranking tells a clear story. He has earned his position in the top 30 through consistent hard court results, and Montreal’s conditions suit players who can dictate from the baseline. Jodar carries the typical profile of a modern ATP grinder who has learned to add aggression to his game: solid first serve, strong groundstrokes from the back of the court, and the fitness to outlast opponents in extended rallies. Hard courts tend to amplify those strengths, removing the spin variables that clay introduces and rewarding the cleaner, flatter ball-striking that higher-ranked players tend to produce.
At 17/50, the market has him priced as a heavy favourite, and the ranking gap between him and Moutet supports that assessment on paper.
Corentin Moutet
Corentin Moutet is one of the more entertaining and unpredictable players on tour. The Frenchman operates at ATP #34 with 1323 points, sitting just five spots and 138 points behind Jodar, which makes the 3/1 odds look generous at first glance. Moutet’s game is built on creativity, heavy topspin, extreme angles, and a left-handed serve that creates awkward situations for opponents who prefer a rhythm game. That style is genuinely dangerous, particularly against players who want pace to work with. Moutet can disrupt, slow the game down, and drag opponents into uncomfortable exchanges.
The question on hard courts is always whether Moutet’s unorthodox approach holds up against a more powerful baseline game. Hard surfaces tend to reduce his ability to generate the heavy spin that makes him so tricky on clay, and players ranked in the top 30 with a more orthodox power baseline game can sometimes neutralise his creativity by taking time away from him. That said, Moutet has proven he can compete at this level, and the rankings difference between these two is narrow enough that dismissing him outright is a mistake.
Head-to-Head
Wednesday’s match is a first meeting between these two on the ATP Tour. There is no historical record to draw from, no surface-specific head-to-head data, and no prior tactical blueprint for either player to reference. First meetings at this level can go either way, particularly when the styles are as contrasting as these two. Jodar cannot rely on knowing Moutet’s patterns from past encounters, and that is mildly in Moutet’s favour given that his game is unusual enough to cause problems on first exposure.
Betting Angles
The odds at 17/50 for Jodar reflect a clear market lean toward the higher-ranked player. That price implies around a 75% win probability, which feels about right given the ranking gap and surface dynamics. Jodar’s hard court profile is more conventional and more likely to thrive in Montreal conditions.
The 3/1 on Moutet is where the value conversation starts. Five ranking spots is not a significant gap at this level of the tour, and Moutet’s creative left-handed game can genuinely unsettle opponents who have no prior data to draw from. If Moutet comes out aggressive and makes Jodar uncomfortable in the opening stages, this match could go the distance. At 3/1, you are getting nearly four times your money on a player who is not a pushover by any stretch.
- Jodar at 17/50 is the safe, form-backed play backed by surface suitability
- Moutet at 3/1 represents genuine value given the tight ranking gap and first-meeting uncertainty
- The contrasting styles make a three-set match a realistic scenario regardless of who wins
With the Cincinnati Masters starting on August 10, both players will have one eye on peaking at the right moment across the hard court swing. That adds motivation on both sides of the net.
Our Pick
The ranking gap between these two is five spots, yet the market prices Moutet as if this is a significant mismatch. It is not. Moutet’s left-handed creativity and heavy topspin game will be unfamiliar to Jodar in a first meeting, and at 3/1 you are getting real value on a player who has every tool to compete at this level. Hard courts are not his best surface, but the combination of a tight ranking gap, first-meeting dynamics, and a price that overstates the gap makes Moutet the smart betting play here.
🎁 LiveScore Bet Offer
Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
Claim Offer at LiveScore Bet →New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 (odds 2.00+) within 3 days of sign up. Get £20 free sportsbook bet + £10 Bet Builder free bet. 14 days to use. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply. 18+ BeGambleAware.org
Like This? Get More Picks Free
Weekly free bets, odds picks and betting guides — straight to your inbox.