Former world No 1 Mats Wilander believes Novak Djokovic will become “the big, big favourite” to win the 2024 French Open if he reaches the second week.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion is not at all worried by Djokovic’s lack of matches this year and feels his fellow tennis legend will be “more fresh” than if he had played more lead-up events.
Djokovic has had a disappointing 2024 season to date when judged by the remarkably high standards he has set. The Serbian has compiled a 14-6 record and is yet to reach a final this season.
The world No 1 reached the semi-finals at both the Australian Open and the Monte Carlo Masters, while he tasted surprising third round defeats in Indian Wells and at the Italian Open.
The 37-year-old, who chose to skip the Madrid Open Masters 1000 event, accepted a wildcard to play the Geneva Open this week.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion was beaten 6-4, 0-6, 6-1 by world No 44 Tomas Machac in the semi-finals of the ATP 250 tournament after struggling physically.
Djokovic, who is the defending French Open champion, will now aim to win his fourth Roland Garros title. He will face French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the opening round in Paris.
Wilander, a three-time Roland Garros winner, discussed Djokovic’s build-up to the clay-court Major and backed the Serbian to be the favourite if he avoids an early exit.
“Well, it’s a difficult preparation for Novak Djokovic, because he hasn’t played that many matches,” the Swede told Eurosport.
“But remember when he wasn’t allowed to come to the Australian Open because of the Covid vaccinations, it gave him three or four months off the tour.
“So he was rested once he started playing again. He had a great year and I think this year hasn’t been great, but with someone as good as he is, as experienced as he is, he knows how to play three out of five sets.
“He knows that he can win Roland Garros every single time he plays. And now he is more fresh than if he would have played well in the three lead-up tournaments to Roland Garros.
“So I wouldn’t be worried at all. The first round and second round could be tricky for Novak because he hasn’t played that much. Once he’s through, if he makes the second week, then, wow, he becomes the big, big favourite to me.”
