Novak Djokovic Has Eyes For Rafael Nadal’s French Open Crown
Following a superb start to 2023 by making a winning return to the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic will have already switched focus to the French Open in May.
Having drawn level on 22 Grand Slam titles with Rafael Nadal, Djokovic will next be looking to take the French Open crown away from his rival at Roland-Garros this year.
No Slowing Down For Djokovic
Despite being set to turn 36 years old in May, there seem to be no signs of Djokovic slowing down any time soon. The Serbian star, who is +163 in the tennis betting to win the 2023 French Open, started the season in impressive form to win the Aussie Open in Melbourne. Beating the likes of Grigor Dimitrov, Andrey Rublev, and Tommy Paul on his way to a straight-sets win in the final, there was no stopping Djokovic.
Having had a turbulent 2022 in which Djokovic still managed to secure a Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, it was the perfect start to the year for the world number one. Winning a 10th Australian Open is a remarkable achievement for a player who claimed his first title in Melbourne back in 2008. Clearly enjoying the hard court surface of Melbourne Park, Djokovic has been a formidable player at the Aussie Open over the years. The clay courts of Roland-Garros have been less kind to the Serb but that’s where his next opportunity for more Grand Slam glory lies.
Nadal’s Paris Crown In Sights
While Djokovic has been the master of the Australian Open over the last 15 years, Nadal has dominated the French Open. Credited with the deserved title of the ‘King of Clay’, Nadal has the record for the most success at a single Grand Slam, having won the event at Roland-Garros 14 times. Despite his success over the years in Paris, there are concerns regarding Nadal’s title defense in the French capital this time around.
Nadal saw his Australian Open campaign cut short with a second-round defeat at the hands of the American Mackenzie McDonald. Having to take a medical timeout during the 6-4 6-3 7-5 defeat, it was confirmed after the match that a hip injury would keep him sidelined for up to eight weeks. Far from being the ideal preparation for the defense of his French Open title, Nadal has been forced to deal with yet another injury setback.
