Novak Djokovic beating Rafael Nadal’s Major tally at the 2023 French Open will make him the GOAT claims Mats Wilander
Novak Djokovic could settle the GOAT debate once and for all by winning the 2023 French Open says Mats Wilander justifying his take.
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Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Mats Wilander (Credits: CBS Sports, Daily Express)
22 Grand Slam singles titles apiece has Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal locked in a historic battle. The duo along with Roger Federer were tied at 20 Majors each after the Serb’s win at the 2021 Wimbledon. He came close to winning his 21st at the 2021 US Open but lost the finals. The defeat also meant Djokovic failed to win the Calendar Slam that year.
His deportation from Australia saw Nadal win the 2022 Australian Open and claim his 21st Major. He added another title to his cabinet with the 2022 French Open. Djokovic finally won his 21st Major at the 2022 Wimbledon before tying Nadal with this year’s Australian Open title. This year’s French Open was expected to be a big showdown but the Spaniard’s injury has him out for the entire season making things much easier for the Serb.
“I think definitely. I mean, I think if we’re counting the greatest just in terms of Grand Slam tournaments, then I’d say it’s very possible that Novak is going to be the goat. And of course, if he wins in Paris in 20 days, he becomes the huge favorite to win Wimbledon. And of course, if he wins Wimbledon, suddenly he’s got three majors in a row.
“Now we’re talking about somebody who’s so great and obviously is going to be the goat because he has another chance to win the calendar Grand Slam. He is still looking so young and he knows he’s got Wimbledon, he’s got the US Open, he’s got the Australian Open again next year. So this is not his last chance. But it would be in a way ironic if he breaks the record by winning Rafa’s tournament,” commented Mats Wilander speaking on Eurosport.
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Tricky draw awaits Novak Djokovic at this year’s French Open
While Mats Wilander might have hinted at who is his favorite for this year’s French Open, things are not simple enough. Novak Djokovic has been handed a tricky draw which when combined with his inconsistent clay form makes it further exciting for the fans. The Serb reaches Paris without a single title on the surface this season.
Following the draw ceremony of the French Open concluding this year, Djokovic’s potential path was conceptualized. The two-time French Open winner starts his campaign against Aleksandar Kovacevic. A potential third-round clash with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina will be the first big hurdle for Djokovic with Fokina a good player on clay.
The second week at any Grand Slam event is difficult and Djokovic will have no different path. Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz could await him in the semi-finals making it potentially the title decider given each player’s individual prowess on the surface. The three most picked possible final opponents for Djokovic are named in the form of Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, and Holger Rune.
Medvedev’s clay form is always a question despite his current form. Rune is yet to reach a Major final while Ruud has been fairly inconsistent this season. Looking at these aspects, Djokovic certainly has a good chance to lift his third title in Paris and achieve a third career Grand Slam.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)