Corretja exclusively for Telegraf on Djokovic-Nadal rivalry, Alcaraz, and his favorite to win French Open

Photo: Joaquin Corchero / ContactoPhoto / Profimedia, Tanjug/AP

The French Open is at the door and the whole tennis world is expecting a new sports earthquake - who will be the champion? Novak Djokovic? Rafael Nadal? Carlos Alcaraz? Someone else? Alex Corretja, a two-time Grand Slam finalist in Paris, did an exclusive analysis for Telegraf, and established the advantages of the Serbian tennis player compared to the rest of the ATP tour in France.

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Corretja, who is also a Eurosport tennis expert, has established the turning point in Djokovic's season.

"It wasn't Rome, we have to go back to Belgrade. I think he rose in Belgrade. That was the turning point in his season, when he came back against Kecmanovic and Djere. That is the moment when Novak showed me that he is ready for the French Open. Despite the defeat in Madrid by Alcaraz, I realized that he was ready. I don't want to reveal private conversations with his coaches, but I was one hundred percent sure that he would reach the final or win the title in Rome," Corretja started the conversation with Telegraf.

"Rome is just proof that he has found a way to play on clay and that he will be ready for the French Open. He is coming to Paris with great confidence because he is very close to his best form. I'm not saying that he has to win the French Open, but I think he understands the game on clay better now than before. I am impressed that, after retaining the first place and winning so many trophies, he changes his game and adapts in that way. He is definitely one of the favorites in Paris."

Photo: Tanjug/Milos Milivojevic

There are your compatriots, Nadal and Alkaraz. What to expect from them in Paris?

"We don't know what Rafa will be like. If he is healthy, we will still have to see what results he will have in the first week. There is no doubt that he will be a dangerous opponent to everyone, because that is Rafael Nadal, the best player of all time on clay. On the other hand, Alcaraz is in a world where everything is perfect. He plays great with many variations, he took Barcelona and Madrid. He rested for a couple of weeks and is now hungry."

All eyes are on the Djokovic-Rafa-Alkaraz triangle, who do you give the best chances?

"It will be decided by whether Djokovic and Nadal will keep their consistency or whether Alcaraz's enthusiasm will come to the fore. That is the only thing that should be 'unpacked' in the coming weeks. It's difficult to say who has the best chances... If you look at the ATP list and the moment, Novak is in a good position, and Rafa is the only one with a question mark."

Photo: SOPA Images Limited / Alamy / Alamy / Profimedia

So... Novak is the main favorite?

"He is in a great position before coming to the tournament. I'm not sure if I should call him the exclusive favorite, because it depends on whether Nadal will get into his rhythm. Alcaraz should be placed a little below them, because he is younger and we don't know how he will cope with two weeks of play and five-set matches. Novak still deserves credit to be the favorite, as we speak."

Who will take the title of the best in history at the end of the road - Djokovic or Nadal?

"It's always a question of how Rafa is. The question is whether he is healthy or not, that makes a big difference for the future. I think Novak definitely has a good chance to win more Grand Slam titles in the end. Every Grand Slam is a new chance for Djokovic, he showed that he is always good at Wimbledon, the US Open, he loves the Australian Open and he will play each seriously if the opportunity arises."

Photo: Tanjug/AP

Who are the favorites from the shadows?

"One must always think seriously about Tsitsipas and Zverev. They reach the quarterfinals and are very difficult to get around. There are also guys like Rublev and Ruud, they are also a difficult obstacle. You don't want to play against them in the early stages of the tournament, it's important that you have a strong position on the ATP list in order to avoid them. Norrie, De Minaur, Hurkacz, Sinner, Auger-Aliassime must also be mentioned... They are dangerous. I'm not saying they will win the French Open, but they are tough opponents."

Serbia also has faith its second racket, Miomir Kecmanovic. How do you view his season and his obvious rise?

"Kecmanovic is a talented guy, I was impressed by his game in Madrid in the match against Rafa. Fast swing and strong backhand, good serve and good forehand. In order to progress, his forehand must not be good, it must be great. I like his concentration, without any objections. He copes well with events on the court, some players of his age talk too much. He can play on all surfaces," concluded Corretja.

You can watch all French Open matches on Eurosport channels.

(Telegraf.rs)