“The best clay court player right now is Alcaraz, followed by Djokovic,” Paul McNamee picks Carlos Alcaraz to win Roland Garros ahead of Novak Djokovic
Although many believe that he'll bag his historic 25th Grand Slam title in Paris, former Australian doubles player Paul McNamee doesn't think so.
Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz (Images via Imago)
Novak Djokovic has been dealing with a rough patch, it seems, because he hasn’t lifted a trophy this year, nor reached a final of any tournament yet. Despite his slump in form, Djokovic will search for his first title at Roland Garros.
Although many believe that he’ll bag his historic 25th Grand Slam title in Paris, former Australian doubles player Paul McNamee doesn’t think so. The 69-year-old believes Carlos Alcaraz is currently the best player on clay, and he will end up lifting his third Grand Slam title.
It’s clay… so you look for the maestros on clay… I think the best clay court player right now is Alcaraz, followed by Djokovic.Paul McNamee wrote on X
Check his tweet here:
It’s clay… so you look for the maestros on clay…imo the best clay court player right now is Alcaraz, followed by Djokovic
— ?️ Paul McNamee (@PaulFMcNamee) May 20, 2024
In last year’s Roland Garros, Alcaraz faced Djokovic in the semifinal, losing in four sets. They last met in the semifinals of the ATP Finals and the result again came in the Serb’s favor, who also improved his head-to-head record to 3-2.
Alcaraz is recovering from the arm injury which he hurt during the Madrid Open. The injury made him miss the Italian Open. On the other hand, the Serbian great accepted the Geneva Open (an ATP 250 event) wild card to prepare for Roland Garros.
Alexander Zverev thinks Novak Djokovic will be the favorite to win at Roland Garros
After winning the Italian Open, Alexander Zverev joined the discussion about Roland Garros and the players who are favorites to win. Despite Novak Djokovic‘s slow form, he will be the man to beat in the tournament, as per Zverev.
Sascha also feels 14-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal will play better in Paris than he played in the previous three clay-court events. For the two youngsters, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Zverev thinks they will play their best once they get healthy.
Nole is going to be at his best. You’ll see. It’s just the way it is. Rafa is going to play a lot better than he did in Madrid and Rome. I’m certain about that. The other two (Alcaraz and Sinner), just depend on health.Alexander Zverev said at the press conference
Like Alcaraz, Sinner also opted out of the Italian Open after sustaining a hip flexor injury at the Madrid Open.
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Gouri Das
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