Novak Djokovic’s Veteran Ex-coach Has Little Hopes About His French Open Chances as Rafael Nadal Threat Looms Large

The six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker recently opened up about the chances of his former ward, Novak Djokovic, securing his 23rd Grand Slam title at the upcoming French Open. He said that even though he is in remarkable form, there is a big obstacle standing in the way: the 14-time Roland Garros champion, Rafael Nadal. The German had said this when he was asked whether Djokovic was thinking about the 2024 Olympics in order to add a gold medal to his name.

Even though Rafael Nadal has won 14 French Open titles and is regarded as the “King of Clay”, Djokovic is going strong in 2023. He clinched his 10th Australian Open title in dominant fashion, breezing past almost every opponent.

Becker skeptical about the prospect of Novak Djokovic winning in Paris

During his interview with Eurosport, Becker said that Djokovic is not “thinking about the golden slam” (winning all four Majors as well as the Olympic medal). Stressing that his former ward’s focus is solely on Grand Slams, he said, “The next major is Roland-Garros where, in my eyes, the favourite still is Rafael Nadal.But Novak is on his heels. So let’s see what these two great champions will deliver for us,” says Becker.

Djokovic, having just won the Australian Open and broken the record for most weeks at No. 1, is going from strength to strength. He is on track to oust the ‘King of Clay’ from his throne for the third time.

The next stop on this ongoing Grand Slam race between the Spanish legend and the ‘Djoker’ is the French Open, which is scheduled to take place in May this year. Both Nadal and Djokovic will arrive in Paris with 22 Majors apiece, and hungry for more glory. Nadal is obviously the overwhelming favorite at Roland Garros.

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However, the Spanish champion is currently in poor form, with a string of defeats and injuries over the last few months, keeping him relatively quiet. On the other hand, the Serbian wolf Novak Djokovic is hunting to break the men’s Grand Slam record. 

Can Djokovic overcome the ‘King of Clay’?

Even though Nadal has won 14 French Open titles and retains the title of the ‘fan favourite’, Novak Djokovic is a big threat. Considering Nadal’s recent struggle with recurring injuries, it wouldn’t be a bad bet to choose the ‘Djoker’ as a potential Roland Garros champion for 2023.

Novak Djokovic might be aiming for his 23 Slam at the French Open, but Nadal remains the favorite in Roland- Garros. Still, it would be wise for Nadal to keep an eye on Djokovic.

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Who do you think will triumph in Paris come May? Let us know in the comments.