Tennis coach, Patrick Mouratoglou has already picked his favourite for the 2022 Roland Garros. He is backing Serbian tennis player, Novak Djokovic in this year’s French Open.
According to him the player who wins this year’s French Open will grab a big advantage in the race to be the greatest men’s tennis player of all time. Mouratoglou also admitting Novak Djokovic and not Rafael Nadal might be the man to beat by the time Roland Garros arrives.
Patrick Mouratoglou has always been a Nole fan. He has previously suggested Novak Djokovic displayed ‘authenticity’ by refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Novak Djokovic will start his campaign under prepared. This is because he has only played one tournament (Dubai Open) this year due to his vaccination status. Meanwhile, Nadal is currently side-lined with a rib injury and will only return to action midway through the season. Rafa might not be in peak condition at Roland Garros.
Patrick Mouratoglou backs Novak Djokovic over Rafael Nadal
Novak Djokovic could not play in ATP 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami, as only vaccinated visitors were allowed to enter America.
Patrick Mouratoglou, who is the coach to Serena Williams and Stefanos Tsitsipas, has insisted Djokovic’s stance should be applauded. However, he did not suggest he supported Nole’s refusal to be vaccinated. He argued the easier option may have been to fake a vaccination and continue with his career.
Rafael Nadal currently leads the battle for most majors. He became the first man to win 21 Grand Slams with his victory at the Australian Open. The win pushing him one ahead of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
The 2022 French Open is next Slam on the calendar and Mouratoglou believes this year’s clay-court Grand Slam could play a huge role in the GOAT debate. He said, “If you think about Roland Garros now, you can think that it is the most open for the last 10 to 15 years. If Novak is able to win a lot between the start of the clay season and Roland Garros, then it won’t be that open.”
“Because Novak when he is at his top, even on clay, I think he is the best player in the world. I know it’s weird to say that when you see the number of Roland Garros that Rafa has won. But if you look at the figures, Novak beat Rafa many times on clay.”
He added, “If they have to play each other in the last stages. The match of last year will count in their minds 100 percent. In the sense that Rafa is going to be tense and Novak will be much more aggressive. He will feel more confident going against Rafa.”
