The return of Novak Djokovic is getting closer and closer. The world number 1 has only played three games at the start of the season, due to his choice not to be vaccinated against the Coronavirus.
In addition to not being able to defend his title at the Australian Open, the Serbian champion also had to give up the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami. His only appearance in 2022 was in Dubai, where he lost in the quarter-finals to an overexcited Jiri Vesely.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion will take part in the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Serbian Open, which will serve as his test before the Masters 1000 in Madrid and Rome. His big goal is Roland Garros, where he will be called upon to defend the title he won last year.
Nole had to watch helplessly as his eternal rival Rafael Nadal triumphed at Melbourne Park, which saw the Spaniard take the top spot in the all-time Majors standings. At the Eurosport microphone, Mats Wilander gave an update on the conditions of Novak and Rafa.
Mats Wilander opens up on Nadal
“[Novak Djokovic] going to be well rested in his head, in his heart. Physically, he was able to set up his training program perfectly, at least in the way he would like,” said Wilander.
“Of course he would have liked to play more matches, but if he takes part in three tournaments and plays 10 to 15 matches, he will come to Roland-Garros as the favorite of the tournament”
With Rafael Nadal out for the next 4-6 weeks with a broken rib, the former world No. 1 felt the Spaniard might not be the tournament favorite as he may not have the “perfect” preparation he would have wished for.
“Now that Rafael Nadal may not have perfect preparation, Djokovic suddenly becomes the favourite,” Wilander said. “But he most likely needs a bit of confidence in some of the tournaments leading up to Roland-Garros”
Current world No. 6 Paula Badosa is having an excellent North American hard court spring. After reaching the semi-final in Indian Wells, the Spaniard also had a great start at the Miami Open.
After winning her debut match against Marie Bouzkova in Miami, Badosa spoke to the media and spoke about her compatriot Rafael Nadal. Indeed, the Spaniard is on the sidelines for at least four to six weeks due to a broken rib he suffered at the end of the Indian Wells Masters.
