Novak Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic backs 'incredible' Rafael Nadal to win French Open 2022

Goran Ivanisevic has surprisingly backed the «incredible» Rafael Nadal as the French Open favourite over his charge Novak Djokovic. World No. 1 Djokovic could be set to face his great rival in the quarter-finals in what is a very lopsided men's draw at Roland-Garros with rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz also in that half of the bracket and a potential opponent in the semi-finals.

Ad/> Despite the fact that the Serb has been declared the favourite to defend his title on the red dirt in Paris after he defeated Nadal in the semi-finals last year, Ivanisevic has backed the Spaniard as being the man to beat. Roland-Garros'The opposite of Serena' — McEnroe on key difference between Swiatek and Williams2 HOURS AGO Perhaps the former Wimbledon champion is just attempting to pile the pressure on Nadal and ease the burden of expectation on Djokovic, who leads the pair's head-to-head record 30-28, but either way, his views come as somewhat of a surprise. «When I saw the draw, to be honest, I said, ‘okay, Nadal is going to get to the final', and so Novak was out,” Ivanisevic told L’Equipe.

»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. 'Alcaraz looks incredible' — McEnroe gives strong verdict on Nadal and rising star 'He's refusing to go!' — Astonishing scenes as fan refuses to be thrown out during match 'The opposite of Serena' — McEnroe on key difference between Swiatek and Williams «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.