Tim Henman tips Rafael Nadal as 'slight favourite' for French Open ahead of Novak Djokovic if foot is fine

Tim Henman believes Rafael Nadal is a slight favourite over Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz to win the French Open if he is fully healthy. The second major of the year gets underway on Sunday, and it is shaping up to be a thrilling affair with so many subplots. Ad/> One of the key narratives concerns Nadal, who made a blistering start to the season and bagged his 21st Grand Slam at the Australian Open.

Roland-GarrosNadal 'feeling better' ahead of French Open but says 'pain is always there'19 HOURS AGO His season was knocked off track by a rib injury at Indian Wells, and he has struggled for form since returning to action. The 13-time French Open champion heads to Roland-Garros with concerns about a foot problem, as opposed to his ribs, and he was in visible pain during a three-set loss to Denis Shapovalov in Rome. Nadal said it is a long-standing problem and he has good days and bad days.

If he had a fortnight of good days, former British No. 1 Henman — who will be working at the event for Eurosport — feels he is the man to beat. “I think if Rafa's foot is healthy — given his record there — you have to make him a very slight favourite, but very close behind him I would have Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz,” Henman told Eurosport.

French Open: Who has the best draw? Henman backing Swiatek for French Open success Alcaraz has been deeply impressive this season, and beat Nadal, Djokovic and Alexander Zverev on the way to Madrid Open glory. Henman feels the teenager is a Grand Slam winner in waiting, and would not be surprised if it happened in Paris in June. “His confidence is incredible,” Henman said of Alcaraz.