“If Nadal is playing, he’s always a favorite,” Novak Djokovic outlines 2024 French Open speculations as he looks ahead after a devastating Australian Open loss

Tennis fans were treated to a big surprise on Day 12 of the 2024 Australian Open. Playing host to the semi-finals of the men’s singles, World No. 4 Jannik Sinner overpowered defending champion and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic to reach the finals of the Grand Slam event. 

Sinner won the match 6-1, 6-2, 6-7(8), 6-3 to reach his first-ever finals of a Major. It was a total domination by the Italian denting the Serb’s chance of winning the AO for a record-extending 11th time. Already a winner of 24 Grand Slam titles in the singles, Nole was also looking for his 25th Major.

The win would have made him the undisputed leader in Grand Slam titles. In the Open Era, he is already at the top with 24 titles, surpassing Serena Williams‘ record of 23 titles. Only Margaret Court is tied with Nole, although the Aussie legend won her titles in both the amateur and Open Era. 

With the 2024 French Open now the next Major, Djokovic was questioned about whether he sees himself winning the event yet again. He will be the defending champion in Paris as well, but the Serb was cautious about making any predictions given that 14-time Roland Garros winner Rafael Nadal is also expected to play. 

That's really far away. Let's see how, you know, how the players play in the next several months, particularly on the clay, in the clay season. It's completely different surface, conditions. Some players, you know, are probably more favorites than others on clay, you know, just because it's kind of a surface that suits certain type of tennis players. 

Said Djokovic speaking in the press conference.

But of course, you know, if Nadal is playing, he's always a favorite there, No. 1, no doubt. Regardless of the fact that he hasn't played much, but he is who he is in Roland Garros. Of course Alcaraz, Sinner. Anybody that is on the top, you know. I think rankings-wise you can take the first five, ten players in the world, and everyone is a favorite to win. It still takes several months, so let's see how everything evolves.

Added the Serb.

Novak Djokovic is the only man to defeat Rafael Nadal twice at the French Open

Djokovic might have, out of respect, refused to name himself the favorite for the 2024 French Open, as Nadal is expected to play.

But the Serb was too humble when commenting. The Spanish bull made his debut in Roland Garros in 2005 and has since played in 18 editions, winning the title 14 times. 

The other four occasions include a walkover in 2016 due to an unfortunate injury. The only three defeats that Nadal has thus suffered in Paris have come to Robin Soderling in 2009 and Djokovic in 2015 and 2021. 

Djokovic registered a straight-set win over Nadal in 2015 in the quarterfinals. The 2021 edition was slightly closer, but Djokovic still prevailed after four sets despite conceding the first. Knowing Nadal’s injury struggles at the moment, even the Spaniard’s fans would admit his chances of winning the Major are slim. 

In this regard, Djokovic certainly does walk in as one of the heavy favorites for the title. Fueled by the fire to win his 25th Major on his arch-rival’s favorite Slam, this would certainly be an extra motivation for Nole. Whether he is successful or not, only time will tell! 

In case you missed:

• “Not the feeling that I’m used to,” Novak Djokovic comments on his plans for the season after a crushing exit from the 2024 Australian Open
• “We’ll see what’s coming on Sunday,” Jannik Sinner oozes confidence as he picks his preferred opponent for the Australian Open finals

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