More top names in this year’s French Open will have a ‘bigger chance’ to win the men’s title than before, according to former world No.1 Boris Becker.
The six-time Grand Slam champion says Rafael Nadal is yet to reach his top form and a lack of match play could have an effect on the Spaniard’s chances. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nadal has only been able to play three competitive matches on the clay which was last week in Rome. At the Masters 1000 event he was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman. It was the first time Nadal had played in an ATP Tournament since the first week of March.
Speaking to reporters at the Hamburg European Open on Tuesday, Becker explains that the world No.2 still remains the favourite to win given his record at Roland Garros. Nadal has won the title a record 12 times and has only lost two out of 95 matches played at the event since his debut back in 2005. Although the five-month break in the Tour this year due to the pandemic could play a factor.
“In principle you always go for the 12-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal, but life and tennis are different this year,” said Becker.
“I watched his performance in Rome and obviously he is not at 100 percent yet. He only played six matches in three months. Whoever played in America, Rome and Hamburg will have an advantage, as players are looking for matches at the moment.’
“You can only get better in matches, not in practice. That’s even the case for Rafael Nadal. He always had his rhythm by playing Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome. Four big tournaments, which gave him enough match toughness to be the best player he can be at the French. That’s missing this year.”
Elaborating further the 52-year-old says the likes of Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem may have a bigger chance of winning compared to previous years. Besides the number of matches played, he says the conditions will also be different due to the time of year it is taking place. Djokovic’s only triumph at the tournament occurred back in 2016. Meanwhile, Thiem is a two-time finalist and recently won his first major title at the US Open.
“At early October, Paris won’t be as bouncy, won’t be as hot but Rafa is still my No. 1 pick. Nonetheless, there are a few players out there with a bigger chance this time than in previous years, including Thiem and Djokovic. Just to name two.” Becker explained.
After winning his 36th Masters title at the Italian Open on Monday, world No.1 Djokovic played down being labelled the frontrunner for the Roland Garros title. Naming Nadal as the bookies favourite. The only way the two could play each other in Paris would be if they both reached the final.
“It’s Nadal. Even though he lost this week, I still think a lot of people will agree, he’s the No. 1 favourite. The record that he has there and the history of his results you just can’t put anybody in front of him,” said Djokovic.
“But Diego (Schwartzman) definitely showed that Nadal is beatable on clay. The conditions that they played on, obviously heavy clay, not much bounce, humid, night session, we are going to have that, as well, in Paris.”
The French Open main draw will get underway on Sunday.
