Former World No. 1 Mats Wilander predicts Novak Djokovic will become big favorite to clinch the 2024 Roland Garros if he reaches the second week.
The Swede tennis legend feels lack of match practice will not be a problem for the Serbian as he suggests the 24-time Grand Slam champion will be more fresh than if he had more matches under his belt.
The 37-year-old had a disappointing start to the 2024 season and was not close to what he usually displays in terms of form and results. Djokovic has registered a 14-6 record and is yet to reach a final this season.
He reached the semifinals at both the Australian Open and Monte Carlo Masters while bearing the surprising R3 losses in Indian Wells and Italian Open. Djokovic was beaten 6-4, 0-6, 6-1 by ATP #44 Tomas Machac in the last four of Geneva Open.
The World no. 1 is heading to Roland Garros for a title defense and fourth overall title. His R1 opponent will be French Wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert on the Parisian clay.
Wilander, a 3-time Roland Garros himself, discussed Djokovic’s build-up to the French major as he tipped the legendary Serbian to be a big favorite if he can survive first week.
“Well, it’s a difficult preparation for Novak Djokovic, because he hasn’t played that many matches,” the 7-time major winner told Eurosport.
“But remember when he wasn’t allowed to come to the Australian Open because of the Covid vaccinations, it gave him three or four months off the tour.
“So he was rested once he started playing again. He had a great year and I think this year hasn’t been great, but with someone as good as he is, as experienced as he is, he knows how to play three out of five sets.
“He knows that he can win Roland Garros every single time he plays. And now he is more fresh than if he would have played well in the three lead-up tournaments to Roland Garros.
“So I wouldn’t be worried at all. The first round and second round could be tricky for Novak because he hasn’t played that much. Once he’s through, if he makes the second week, then, wow, he becomes the big, big favorite to me.”