Rafael Nadal is the clear favorite to win the French Open, according to Novak Djokovic on Tuesday, even though the 14-time champion is having fitness issues as his career comes to an end.
This week at the Geneva Open, world no. 1 Novak Djokovic is getting ready for the start of the year’s second Grand Slam in Paris.
Despite his injury issues and the growing challenge from a younger generation, he said that if Rafael Nadal was in the French Open draw, he could not be written off.
At the Parc des Eaux-Vives grounds in Geneva, defending champion Novak Djokovic told reporters, “This year is more open.”
“Casper Ruud is unquestionably one of the five players who could win. These players—Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas—all emerged victorious from significant competitions held on this surface this year.
However, I always consider Rafael Nadal to be my #1 favorite when we talk about Roland-Garros.
“After everything he has done on the courts at Roland-Garros, it’s normal, respectfully to put him as the biggest favourite.
“Obviously it’s a little different with his level of play. But it’s Roland-Garros, and it’s Nadal.
“After that, maybe me, if I feel good, if I play well. At Roland-Garros, and all the Grand Slams, I am a bit of a different player.”
Prior to defending his French Open title the following week, Djokovic, who turns 37 on Wednesday, accepted a wild card to play in Geneva in an attempt to turn around a worrying decline in his form.
