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Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Roland Garros, Tennis News

‘Only Djokovic can stop number one favourite Nadal at French Open’, says Goran Ivanisevic


Goran Ivanisevic has labelled Rafael Nadal the “number one favourite to win the French Open” but believes Novak Djokovic is the “one person who can beat him”.

Former Wimbledon winner Ivanisevic – who has been part of Djokovic’s coaching team since 2019 – said the Serbian “has to be 100%”, otherwise Nadal “eats you”.

The Croatian said Nadal ‘would have no chance in these conditions’ to beat Djokovic at last year’s French Open, but the Spaniard won 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 in the final.

“In my opinion, Nadal is number one favourite to win the French Open and there’s only one person who can beat him to that number 14 title – and that’s Novak,” Ivanisevic told BBC Sport.

“But he has to be 100%. We saw last year he did not show up for the final. He showed up too late. You cannot give Nadal too much space, otherwise he eats you.”

Djokovic and Nadal could face each other in either the semi-finals or the final at Roland Garros – as they are seeded first and third respectively. The main draw of the tournament begins on Sunday.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.