“It depends on if Rafael Nadal plays,” Novak Djokovic gives his verdict on the French Open odds this season

Novak Djokovic thinks new generation has a chance at winning Roland Garros provided Rafael Nadal withdraws

“It depends on if Rafael Nadal plays,” Novak Djokovic gives his verdict on the French Open odds this season

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Novak Djokovic spoke about how wide open the French Open could be with so many players doing so well of late. The Serb said the openness of Roland Garros (i.e., there could be many possible winners) depends on whether Rafael Nadal will play in the tournament or not. Though he did not rule himself out of the champions race, the world no. 1 said he is still confident of his chances at the French Open.

The Serb was talking in the post-match conference after losing out to Holger Rune in the quarterfinal at the Italian Open. Despite the loss, Novak Djokovic was calm and looked confident about the main event of the clay season, Roland Garros. But he also remembered his main rival, Rafael Nadal, and did not rule out him running for the championship.

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There is still a cloud of doubt about whether Rafael Nadal will play at Roland Garros or not. Everyone is waiting in anticipation for the final decision to be taken by the Spaniard, and so is Nadal’s archrival Djokovic.

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So far, Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from each of the clay court tournaments leading up to the French Open. The prestigious event starts on the coming Monday, i.e., May 22nd. Whether it’s a “yay or nay” on Nadal’s participation will be known soon. Though Djokovic has played several clay events, he will be going into the French Open without a title this year.

Related: Rafael Nadal set to withdraw from the French Open for the first time in his career

Novak Djokovic also named Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune as possible Champions at Roland Garros

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Though Djokovic jokingly said there could be a new winner only if Rafael Nadal does not play, he didn’t discount the chances of the new generation of players. Djokovic said, “But next to him (Rafael Nadal), of course, Alcaraz, Rune, these guys are right there in contention, some of the biggest favorites to win the title”. The Serbian lost to Holger Rune for the second time on a big stage. He had lost against the 20-year-old Dane in the Paris Masters in 2022. Djokovic has immense respect and faith in Rune as a player. 

Talking about the next generation of players, Novak Djokovic said, “A new generation is here already. I mean, Alcaraz is No. 1 in the world from Monday.” The 22-time Grand Slam title winner believes that change is imminent in tennis as the baton is always passed from one generation to the next. Djokovic, in a very philosophical way, said, “We can expect that moment to come when you have kind of shift of generation.”

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