Novak Djokovic scared of ‘biggest favourite’ Carlos Alcaraz at French Open

Novak Djokovic has claimed world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz is the “No 1 favourite” for the French Open title in the absence of Rafael Nadal. The Serbian superstar will get the chance to overtake Nadal for the first time in the GOAT race by winning his 23rd Grand Slam title in Paris.

And Djokovic, 36, reckons the men’s title race is more open without the 14-time winner who has dominated the event since his 2005 debut. The world No 3 listed Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Jannik Sinner, Alex Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas as potential winners.

But he declared US Open winner Alcaraz – his scheduled semi-final foe – as the “biggest favourite”. Djokovic explained: “Because he’s No 1 in the world, and he’s a player that won big titles on clay this season.

“So right now, he is the biggest favourite regardless of the fact that he has one Grand Slam and I have 22. We look at the last few months and the kind of shape and the form that he’s having and that I’m having, I think he’s a slightly bigger favourite.”

Nadal and Djokovic have been locked together on 22 Grand Slams since the Serb’s winning return to the Australian Open in January. This will be the first time Novak, now 36, can take the outright race in the GOAT race after trailing Roger Federer and Nadal for most of his career.

Djokovic, who can draw level with Serena Williams on 23 Grand Slam singles titles with a third triumph here, said: “It’s no secret that one of the main reasons I play today and compete in professional tennis is to try to break more records and make more history in tennis. That’s extremely motivating and inspiring for me.

“History being on the line is something that is very flattering and is very motivating, no doubt about it. Obviously Nadal not playing in the tournament here is a big loss for tennis, is a big loss for Roland Garros, because he’s by far the most successful player to play in the history of this tournament.

“So of course it opens up a chance and opportunity for the rest of us to try to get a title, because whenever he plays he’s an absolute favourite here or any clay court tournament, for that matter.

“So I think the tournament is quite open, to be honest. Maybe a few guys that are at the top of the favourites list, but anyone can take it. I’m hoping it can be me.

“I put emphasis and priority on the Grand Slams, so I’m feeling good at the moment. I don’t have any physical issues that worry me. So that’s most important for me. You know, I want to feel good coming into a Grand Slam.”