Rune Tips Djokovic to Win 2023 Roland Garros in Nadal's Absence

| by Alex Waite

Holger Rune believes that Novak Djokovic is now the standout favourite to win the 2023 Roland Garros.

Djokovic leads a talented field of ATP players heading to Roland Garros this week and the 22-time Grand Slam winner is expected to be among the leading pack after reigning champion Rafael Nadal withdrew from the competition. The Serbian player has not won an event since lifting the Australian Open in January and most recently lost to Holger Rune in the Italian Open quarter-final.

However, world number six Rune is also expected to be among the contenders after he won the Bavarian International in April and reached the Italian Open final on Sunday before losing to Daniil Medvedev. Following the Italian Open loss, Rune explained to reporters that Djokovic remains the favourite at Roland Garros due to his previous Grand Slam winning experience.

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"I still think Novak is the main favorite for the event. He's the one with the most slams of who's playing, the most experience. Then we have Alcaraz. We have Medvedev. We have a lot of guys."

Although, Rune did admit that the competition is more open than ever due to Nadal's absence. The Spanish veteran has won the French Open a record 14 times and his omission could make room for a new champion.

In particular, Rune is backing Djokovic to go all the way. The 20-year-old also feels the signs are clear that Djokovic is returning to form at the right time leading up to the French Open.

"I think if I have to pick one favorite, I'll probably pick Novak. But again, it's more open because we don't have Rafa this year who has won 14 times or something like this. "For sure he's been showing good signs in this clay season, playing better and better. Yeah, for sure, I mean, I think he's one of the favorites."

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