'It’s Roland-Garros, and it’s Rafael Nadal' - Novak Djokovic backs Spaniard to win 15th French Open title

Defending champion Novak Djokovic feels that star player Rafael Nadal is still a favourite to win the French Open 2024, which is set to commence on May 26 in Paris. Notably, Rafael Nadal has been one of the most successful players, having won titles around 14 times. The Spaniard last won the title in 2022 after defeating Casper Ruud in the final game. However, Nadal didn't appear in the 2023 edition owing to his injuries, which ruled him out.

However, Djokovic feels that if Rafael Nadal is in the French Open draw, he cannot be ruled out despite his injury problems and struggles against a younger generation. Meanwhile, Djokovic also named Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, Rublev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas as the winners who can win the major tournament.

The 37-year-old feels that Nadal is the biggest name when it comes to Roland Garros. In addition, the star player says that Rafael Nadal has played his biggest role at the Roland Garros court, which makes him the biggest favourite to win the title.

But when you talk about Roland-Garros and Nadal is there, he is always the biggest favourite for me: Novak Djokovic

“This year is more open. Casper Ruud is surely one of the five players who are candidates to win. 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 favourite for me,” defending French Open champion Djokovic told reporters at the Parc des Eaux-Vives grounds in Geneva.

“After everything he has done on the courts at Roland-Garros, it’s normal, respectfully to put him as the biggest favourite. 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," he added further.