Novak Djokovic coach makes startling Rafael Nadal comment before possible French Open tie

Novak Djokovic's coach has insisted Rafa Nadal is favourite to win the French Open. But Goran Ivanisevic has claimed it will be better to face the Spanish superstar in a blockbuster quarter-final than in the Roland Garros final.

World No.1 Djokovic is the defending champion who is aiming to equal Nadal's record of 21 Grand Slam titles in the French capital.

Nadal is seeking a 14th French Open title despite suffering from foot and rib injuries which have restricted him to only five matches on clay this season. The Spaniard and the Serb have met a record 58 times, with Djokovic leading 30-28. But Nadal has won seven of their nine matches at Roland Garros, including three finals.

And former Wimbledon champion Ivanisevic claimed: "For me, there is only one favourite at Roland Garros and that is Nadal. Even with what has happened with his foot in Rome, I always think that. Injured, not injured, he is always the favourite here. It is his home, his court. He knows all the good bounces, all the bad bounces, every nook and cranny. Whether he plays well or badly, under the sun or not, it changes nothing."

MUST READ

Carlos Alcaraz: The making of a star as first coach reveals secrets to success - EXCLUSIVELink

Both superstars start their French Open campaigns today with Novak playing the first-ever night session at the revamped Roland Garros. But the two are on a collision course to meet in the quarter-finals - with the winner potentially facing new star Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals.

Ivanisevic told L'Equipe: "When I saw the draw, to be honest, I said: 'OK, Nadal is going to get to the final. And so Novak was out..'

"Rafa is incredible. I have enormous respect for him. In the final, Medvedev could not close the match and you