“Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic Are Always the Favorites”: Ana Ivanovic on French Open 2020 Champion

The French Open 2020 marks 12 years since Ana Ivanovic won her first and the only Grand Slam. Defeating Dinara Safina in straight sets, the Serbian professional had claimed the number 1 spot in the WTA rankings. With the Roland Garros underway, the former champion showered her views on the ongoing Roland Garros, picking Rafael Nadal as one of the favorites.

Recalling her spectacular win in Paris over a decade ago, Ivanovic ran down the stairs of memories. The dream run of 2008 is still fresh in her mind.

“I can’t believe it’s been 12 years since I lifted the trophy at Roland Garros. Time flies! I remember so much of my semi-final match and my final match. So many emotions going through and then of course climbing the stands to reach my family. That was a very very special moment for me,” she said.

The retired professional went on to pick this year’s favorites to clinch the French Open. Her picks hardly come as a surprise given she has picked the King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Dominic Thiem also got a special mention following his US Open 2020 victory.

On the women’s side, Ivanovic backed Simona Halep and Elina Svitolina to take home the Slam.

“Since Paris holds a special place in my heart, I figured I’d provide some commentary surrounding Roland Garros 2020 as a part of Tennis Channel ‘Athlete Analyst Team’. Now, to kick it off, here are my picks for Roland Garros 2020 after watching the round one.

“In men’s Nadal and Djokovic are always the favorites but I also think Thiem could go really far since he has confidence after winning the US Open and his first title. In the women’s I would go for probably Simona Halep. She’s also been in a good form. Another one to watch out for is Svitolina because she loves playing on clay.”

Rafael Nadal going for his 13th title

Very few players have won thirteen Grand Slams in total, but incredibly, Rafa is on the hunt for his 13th French Open title. The Spaniard has dominated the clay Major ever since he first played there in 2005. His record is mind boggling with just two losses at Roland Garros. If that doesn’t make him a favorite for this year’s title, what will?

Rafael Nadal has started his journey on a strong note. Surpassing his opponents with ease, he has set up a third-round clash with Stefano Travaglia of Italy.