Novak Djokovic backed for Roland-Garros triumph over Carlos Alcaraz at French Open by Mats Wilander

Novak Djokovic’s triumph in Rome makes him the favourite, ahead of Carlos Alcaraz, to win the men's singles at the 2922 French Open, according to Eurosport tennis expert Mats Wilander. Having beaten Djokovic and Rafael Nadal on his way to winning the Madrid Open final against Alexander Zverev in the Spanish capital, Alcaraz sat out in Italy because of an ankle injury. Ad/> It has been a breakthrough year for the 19-year-old who also took the Miami Open title, beating Casper Ruud in straight sets in the final.

Roland-GarrosHow can 'Rafa-like' Swiatek be stopped? And who could do it?AN HOUR AGO Speaking to Rudd on Eurosport’s Ruud Talk programme, three-time French Open champion Wilander thinks by missing out in Rome, Alcaraz has handed the advantage to the world No.1 ahead of the Grand Slam at Roland-Garros. /> “I think Novak’s preparation for the French Open is perfect. I would much rather have Novak’s preparation than Carlos Alcaraz’s preparation going into the French Open.

Winning Rome, take a week off and then come into Paris”, he said. However, Wilander cannot deny that Alcaraz’s rise has been impressive, with many opponents taking notice of the waves he is making in the game. “I always feel that it’s really important to have good periods on tour.

Especially when you do what Alcaraz has done, which is to win on hard courts, and then you go and win on clay. That’s a confidence boost for the player and it gives respect to the locker room”, he said. /> Wilander thinks proving his worth on different surfaces will be key for the development of Alcaraz, saying, “Maybe compared to someone that wins two clay court tournaments in a row, because it carries you as a player with variety, it carries you all the way to the US Open.