Greg Rusedski believes that World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz is the favorite to win the French Open due to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic’s ongoing fitness issues. Nadal and Djokovic have always been title contenders at the French Open, but they have been struggling for fitness lately. Nadal hasn’t played a match since his second-round exit from the Australian Open, while Djokovic missed the recently concluded Madrid Open due to injury as well.
Carlos Alcaraz’s impressive form
Alcaraz, on the other hand, has been in terrific form this season and successfully defended his title at the Madrid Open by beating Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the final on May 7. Speaking after the match, Greg Rusedski claimed that this year was the 20-year-old’s best chance of winning the clay-court Major due to his current form and Nadal and Djokovic not being at their physical best. Rusedski said, “Going into this year’s Roland Garros, Nadal hasn’t played anything whatsoever leading up, who’s always the favorite to win the title. Djokovic is hurt. This has got to be his best chance to win it because if any of those guys are healthier, anyone one of those three guys could win it. But right now, because of his form, he’s got to be the favorite.”
A special win for Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz won his 10th career title and fourth of the 2023 season at the Madrid Open on Sunday, having previously triumphed at the Argentina Open, the Indian Wells Masters, and the Barcelona Open. The 20-year-old said that it was special for him to win the Madrid Open once again and also heaped praise on his opponent in the final, Jan-Lennard Struff. Alcaraz shared, “For me, it is so, so special. To lift the trophy here in Madrid. In my country. It is always special to play and to be able to do a good result here and [being] a champion is so special. In front of my home crowd, my family, my friends. Everyone close to me. For me, it is a special feeling that I will never forget.”
Upcoming Italian Open in Rome
Carlos Alcaraz has now won 29 out of 31 matches so far this season and will next compete at the Italian Open in Rome. He will be looking forward to continuing his excellent performances and keeping his momentum going, making him a formidable contender in the upcoming French Open. With Nadal and Djokovic’s fitness concerns, Alcaraz’s chances of clinching the clay-court Major look promising.
