Mats Wilander on Novak Djokovic: "Then he's probably the favorite in Paris"
Novak Djokovic will tackle the mission of defending his title at the French Open in May. Mats Wilander doubts that given the meager yield of match practice in the 2022 season so far, this could become a difficult undertaking for the Serbs.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Mar 27, 2022, 05:46 pm
If Novak Djokovic starts in the ATP Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo at the beginning of April, then this will only be the second tournament of the year for the current number one in the tennis world. The reason: Due to his vaccination status, the Serb is only allowed to start at those tournaments that do not require full immunization against COVID-19. And that was still the case in 2022 for a few of the really big dates.
As of now, the 20-time Grand Slam champion will be able to look forward to a much tighter schedule: The European clay court season casts its shadow for the Serb without restrictions, Djokovic has already named Monte Carlo and Belgrade, as well as Madrid and Paris should take place with the participation of the 34-year-old. The only stumbling block? So far, contradictory statements have been made in Rome about Djokovic's start at the ATP Masters 1000 event.
Djokovic beats Nadal in 2021
For Djokovic, however, the success of the entire clay court season should by no means depend on this, the focus of the 20-time major winner will also be clearly on the French Open in 2022. To which Djokovic will arrive this year as the defending champion. In the previous year, the world number one had eliminated Rafael Nadal in a high-class semi-final and finally defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.
In 2022, the way to defending the title is an undertaking that Eurosport expert Mats Wilander can classify as quite feasible, even despite a lack of match practice in the course of the season so far. "Of course he would have liked to play more games, but if he plays three more tournaments and maybe ten to 15 matches, then he's probably the favorite in Paris," said the Swede. "But he will need a bit of confidence going into the French Open."
Djokovic with special, Nadal with suboptimal preparation
In addition, one can be convinced that Djokovic will go into the clay court season "incredibly hungry". And with the advantage of not being burdened by any hardships from the first quarter of the season. "His head and heart are rested. He was able to put together his training plan perfectly for his physical fitness," said Wilander about the Serb's preparation.
The toughest competitor in the 2022 title fight? For Wilander, without a doubt, Rafael Nadal again. However, due to his injury in Indian Wells, he is currently struggling with a setback after a splendid start to the season. "Nadal will not have the perfect preparation," said the former world number one. "Can he train fully? Can he be on the pitch enough hours before Roland Garros? That's the big question." In any case, according to the Swede, it will be tight for Nadal. And long-term competitor Novak Djokovic could benefit from that.