Tim Henman puts Carlos Alcaraz ‘fractionally ahead’ of Novak Djokovic to win French Open title in absence of Rafael Nadal

Henman also said that fans would be fortunate to get to see Alcaraz and Djokovic compete a few times before the latter retires.

Tim Henman puts Carlos Alcaraz ‘fractionally ahead’ of Novak Djokovic to win French Open title in absence of Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz (Image via FirstSportz)

For years, it would be easy for the experts to call their favorite at the French Open. Say Rafael Nadal and you’re right 9/10 times. The consistency of the Spaniard was at another level, and year after year, he would win it. However, his withdrawal from the event, which has deeply saddened everyone, has now made the experts rethink their strategies. Everyone has a different player who can be termed a favorite to lift the title.

Is it Daniil Medvedev, is it Carlos Alcaraz or is it Novak Djokovic? One cannot discount players like Casper Ruud, and Holger Rune. All these players have done decently well on the clay. They look ready to fight it out. Most importantly, all of them are more than capable of lifting the title in Paris. The competition has really made it tough for the experts to choose their favorite.

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However, Tim Henman was courageous enough to predict, and this is what he said to Eurosport, “I would put Alcaraz fractionally ahead of Djokovic because he has played more tennis and had some good results on clay. Djokovic’s career is now just about the majors and he is building his fitness and level of play. The level of these two is just a little bit higher.”

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He also mentioned that it would be great for everyone if there is a Djokovic-Alcaraz finale showdown in Paris. It would certainly be a box office clash as both men will give it their all.

Related: Daniil Medvedev wary of Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros despite sliding to No. 3 in ATP rankings

Alcaraz, Djokovic a step ahead of the others believes Henman

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Carlos Alcaraz (Image via The Independent)

It’s not that only Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic hold the capacity to win in Paris. There are many extremely talented young players in line. Henman made sure he mentions all of them.

“Behind is [Casper] Ruud, [Stefanos] Tsitsipas, [Holger] Rune, [Jannik] Sinner and [Andrey] Rublev – who won his first Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo; they’re all great clay-court players. The strength in depth is incredible. But Alcaraz and Djokovic are the two clear favorites.” Eventually, it all came down to Henman still feeling Alcaraz has the skill to be the best.

He also pointed out that Alcaraz is more like Djokovic than Nadal, with his flexibility and hitting ability. Henman also said that fans would be fortunate to get to see Alcaraz and Djokovic compete a few times before the latter retires. That certainly would be a blockbuster. Can it happen in the coming fortnight? Fingers crossed.

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