French Open 2023: Novak Djokovic awaiting return of great rival Rafael Nadal - 'We want to see a healthy Rafa'

Novak Djokovic hopes that his great rival Rafael Nadal – who he has described as “one of the greatest legends of tennis” – can return to full fitness soon. Nadal is expected to be sidelined for five months following hip surgery after missing the chance to defend his French Open title. Ad In his absence, Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are the favourites to win Roland-Garros this year.

Roland-Garros'That's a real statement' — Djokovic is 'on a mission' says Henman3 HOURS AGO Djokovic is searching for his third French Open title, which would see him go one Grand Slam ahead of Nadal in the all-time singles titles record on 23. Nadal, who turned 37 on Saturday, will also miss the final two Grand Slams of the year at Wimbledon and the US Open. “It was his birthday yesterday, and he announced that he got his surgery,” Djokovic said in his press conference after beating Juan Pablo Varillas in straight sets to reach the French Open quarter-finals.

'Massively intimidating' for rivals to watch 'complete' Carlos Alcaraz — Tim Henman Novak Djokovic exclusive: 'The best I've felt since the Australian Open' Stefanos Tsitsipas too strong for Sebastian Ofner “I got one surgery in my career on the elbow, and I know how hard it is to get back. “It's just one of those things that you don't want any athlete to go through. Sometimes I guess it's necessary.

For him it's been several times now throughout his career. “I don't know what the severity of or the nature of his injury is, but, you know, if he got on a surgery table, it means there was no other solution. “So, you know, I really hope that, yeah, his rehabilitation process can go well and that we can see him next season.