Novak Djokovic on Tuesday mentioned Rafael Nadal was his favorite to win the French Open, regardless of the document 14-time champion struggling for health within the twilight of his profession.
World primary Djokovic — who’s taking part in on a wild card within the Geneva Open this week earlier than the second Grand Slam of the 12 months begins in Paris — mentioned if Nadal was within the draw, he couldn’t be dominated out, regardless of his damage issues and rising competitors from a youthful era.
“This 12 months is extra open,” reigning French Open champion Djokovic instructed reporters on the Parc des Eaux-Vives grounds in Geneva.
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“Casper Ruud is unquestionably one of many 5 gamers who’re candidates to win. You may have Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas — all of the gamers who gained a serious event on this floor this 12 months.
“However whenever you discuss Roland-Garros and Nadal is there, he’s at all times the largest favorite for me.
“After every little thing he has finished on the courts at Roland-Garros court docket, it’s regular, respectfully to place him as the largest favorite.
“Clearly it’s somewhat completely different together with his stage of play. However it’s Roland-Garros and it’s Nadal.
“After that, perhaps me, if I really feel good, if I play nicely. At Roland-Garros, and all of the Grand Slams, I’m a little bit of a unique participant.”
Djokovic, who turns 37 on Wednesday, took a wild card to play in Geneva in a bid to rescue an alarming dip in type forward of his French Open title defence subsequent week.
The 28-man Swiss clay court docket event serves as a ultimate tune-up earlier than Roland-Garros.
The document 24-time Grand Slam champion will arrive in Paris and not using a title within the season for the primary time since 2018, except he takes the Geneva trophy.