The prestigious Roland Garros tournament started a week ago, and everyone is wondering who will be the new kings and queens of clay this year. Among the men in particular, Novak Djokovic, the defending champion, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas are the ones who stand out for having had a very good season on clay.
The debates also focus on the ability of the Spanish legend, Rafa, to go further than the 13 titles he has already won in Paris. Mats Wilander Nadal is not the ultimate favorite to lift the Musketeers Cup in 2022, says former tennis pro and commentator
Mats Wilander comments on Nadal
Tennis legend Mats Wilander believes Rafael Nadal is the “third or fourth” favorite to win this year’s title, not the first.
“No, I don’t think he’s the big favourite,” Wilander said. “We had several years where Rafa won Roland Garros despite not being the favourite.
He got there, he played better, he took advantage of the 5 sets and found a way to do it. And I’m sure if he’s here this year, he’ll find a way to show off his best tennis.”
The three-time French Open champion also admitted that Nadal had already won the event without even playing his best tennis, while suggesting that the player to beat this year in Paris was indeed Novak Djokovic.
“There were years when he came to Roland Garros, he played his best tennis, and he won. There were also other years when he didn’t play his best tennis, he did his best and that was enough for ‘he wins,’ said the former Swedish pro.
“And this could be one of those years where he gives his best and that will prove to be enough. He could improve with every game and see his confidence grow.
But in my opinion he is currently not the favorite to win. Maybe the 3rd, 4th favorite. And for me, Novak is number one.”
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