Novak Djokovic ‘has a feeling of revenge within him’ ahead of Roland Garros, says Mats Wilander

Novak Djokovic will be out on a revenge mission at Roland Garros this year after being unable to play at the Australian Open, according to Mats Wilander.

World No 1 Djokovic was unable to defend his title at Melbourne Park as he was deported from the country over his unvaccinated status while he also missed the Sunshine Double at Indian Wells and Miami.

He then made a sluggish return at the Monte Carlo Masters as he lost his opening match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, but has been building up steam ever since as he finished runner-up at the Serbia Open, reached the semi-final of the Madrid Open before winning the Italian Open title on Sunday.

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Not too bad Nothing but grateful for this amazing week and everyone’s support. I have felt immense love being in Roma @InteBNLdItalia Grazie a tutti per il supporto! Idemooo pic.twitter.com/MP3kqXXR32

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) May 15, 2022

Next up is the French Open where he is the defending champion and top seed, but while some are tipping 13-time champion Rafael Nadal, Wilander is sticking with the Serbian.

Asked by Spanish publication Marca about his favourite for the title, the Eurosport pundit replied: “For many reasons I have to say Novak.

“First because he has just won Rome and that will give him confidence.

“Then because I think he has a feeling of revenge within him after everything that has happened to him in recent months… with him not being able to play the Australian Open.

“He is the defending