I would put Novak Djokovic ahead of Rafa and Thiem: 7-times GS champion picks his Roland Garros favourite

I would put Novak Djokovic ahead of Rafa and Thiem: 7-times GS champion picks his Roland Garros favourite
Rafael Nadal

As always, former champions and tennis pundits view their favourites prior to the Grand Slam. The 2020 French Open clearly has Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and the recent US Open champion Dominic Thiem as the top pick in the men’s singles. However, their sequencing order varies largely.

The King of Clay, Rafa is the most favorite at Roland Garros having bagged 12 titles of the same tournament. However, the pandemic hiatus leading to a lack of match experience this year has affected his performance which is clearly not the best. Hence, he is expected to face a tougher challenge at the year’s last major.

“The weather is a huge challenge for Rafa,” says Wilander

Rafael Nadal (left) and Novak Djokovic

Mats Wilander, a three-time champion at Roland Garros believes the same. He chose the Serbian Legend as his most favourite, placing him above the other two contenders in the top pick list.

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“I think it’s Novak, Rafa and Dominic who are the three favourites – I would put Novak Djokovic slightly ahead of the other two,” Wilander told the PA news agency.

Another factor posing a hurdle in the Spaniard’s quest for his 13th crown is a change of weather. The French Open is originally held in the month of May-June. But, the ongoing pandemic had prompted postponement and the tournament has been rescheduled to begin from 27th September. The May-June is warm and sunny as compared to October’s cold, wetty and heavy conditions.

“I think the field has a much better chance this year than any year I can remember since Rafael Nadal started winning. It’s a huge, huge difference for Rafa. This is a huge challenge for him and he’s going to be praying for some kind of Indian summer,” the Swede added.

Also Read: French Open 2020: Can Rafa win his 13th title and equal Roger Federer’s record?

I think Thiem is going to be extremely dangerous: Wilander

Dominic Thiem

Wilander further remarked that hardcourt players are at an advantage this year. “For Novak, I think it’s perfect,” he said. “Novak nearly beat him (Nadal) that time when it was rainy (the 2012 final). But even the field – I think the hardcourt players are going to do better because it’s not as slippery when it’s a little wetter and colder, the balls don’t spin as much.”

Lastly, Wilander stated that the Austrian with his past records could be a great threat at Roland Garros. Though he lost the last two French Open finals to Rafa, he stands second behind Djokovic’s 7 by also toppling off the Spaniard in 4 out of 12 matches on clay.

“If he can forget the final (of the US Open) and just take the win and tell himself: ‘I don’t know what happened that day but I played great for six matches, I fought hard in the final and I managed to bring home the trophy.’ This is perfect conditions for Thiem. He can hit through a heavy clay court. I think he’s going to be extremely dangerous,” Wilander concluded.

Also Read: The Austrian is Roger Federer’s best ally today: Marc Rosset hails Dominic Thiem