Novak Djokovic has labelled his greatest rival Rafael Nadal as “always the biggest favorite” as he discussed the broader leading contenders for the 2024 Roland Garros.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion also suggested he would rank himself as the second favorite after Nadal while he named five others players who can win it all at the event.
Djokovic has clinched three FO titles with his victories coming in 2016, 2021 and 2023 while Nadal has won the tournament a mindboggling 14-times
Nadal whose maiden Grand Slam came in the 2005 edition of Roland Garros holds an astonishing 112-3 record from his 18 appearances at the red dirt major.
The Mallorcan won his last and 22nd GS title at the 2022 edition of French Open where he drubbed Casper Ruud in the final. Nadal’s ability to compete in the past two years has been severely hampered by multiple injuries.
If the 37-year-old makes it to the main draw it could be his farewell appearance at the tournament as he has already revealed 2024 will likely be the final season of his career.
World No. 1 Djokovic who has received a wildcard to compete at this week’s Geneva Open shared his thoughts on the favorites in Paris.
“This year is more open. Casper Ruud is surely one of the five players who are candidates to win,” the Serbian said in his pre-tournament press conference.
“You have Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas — all the players who won a Major tournament on this surface this year.
“But when you talk about Roland Garros and Nadal is there, he is always the biggest favorite for me. After everything he has done on the courts at Roland Garros court, it’s normal, respectfully to put him as the biggest favorite.
“Obviously it’s a little different with his level of play. But it’s Roland Garros and it’s Nadal. After that, maybe me, if I feel good, if I play well. At Roland Garros, and all the Grand Slams, I am a bit of a different player.”
Djokovic is set to face world No 85 Yannick Hanfmann, who defeated Andy Murray in the R1, in the opener at the ATP 250 tournament in Geneva today — as a 37-year0old. The legendary Serbian will then meet the winner of Denis Shapovalov vs. Tallon Griekspoor in the last eight.