Novak Djokovic backs Rafael Nadal for French Open title

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has backed Rafael Nadal for the French Open title. Nadal, who is known as the King of Clay, has won the Roland Garros on 14 occasions.

The veteran has an unprecedented record of 112-3 while playing at the French Open. Nadal is known to dominate the players at clay but he has been struggling with injuries in the last 18 months. 

“This year is more open,” French Open defending champion Djokovic told reporters at the Parc des Eaux-Vives grounds in Geneva while speaking on the favorites for Roland Garros.

“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.

“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.”

Djokovic, who is celebrated his 37th birthday on Wednesday, said he wants to keep going at the top level as he still has the passion.

“I’m searching for my highest possible level,” he said.

“It’s not an obligation. It’s truly my desire, my feeling, my passion, my love for tennis. That’s the most important. I’m seeking to stay connected with that feeling.”

“At this moment, there is no better practice for me than match play. So I feel like I need more matches,” he said.

“That’s the way for me to try to find the kind of form that I need for Roland-Garros.”

Djokovic will play against Yannick Hanfmann in the round of 16 of the Geneva Open.