Novak Djokovic could finally win French Open title with Rafael Nadal out of form: Jim Courier

Former world No. 1 Jim Courier believes Novak Djokovic is the man to beat at the French Open and it is even more possible with Rafael Nadal struggling to find his form.

In an interview with BNB Paribas Podcast, Courier talked about Djokovic being the favourite to win Roland Garros in May. Djokovic has won 11-Grand Slams in his career, but has never captured the elusive trophy of the French Open. According to Courier, this year could be the moment Djokovic wins in the second Grand Slam event of the year, especially with the “King of Clay” trailing off.

“I absolutely do,” Courier said when asked whether Djokovic is the man to beat at the French Open. “[Nadal] His form has just trailed off pretty drastically right now. If he recaptures it then who knows, [but] I still think Novak will be the favourite.”

Djokovic was close to winning the French Open in the past two years with consecutive finals appearance. The Serb got defeated by Nadal in the final round of Roland Garros in 2014, while Stan Wawrinka got the better of the 28-year-old Djokovic last year, preventing the world No. 1 to complete a calendar Grand Slam.

Leo Koukakis of Sports Illustrated also believes Djokovic would finally win the French Open, considering how the Belgrade native is dominating the competition. Djokovic has won four of the last five Grand Slam events, and with a winning record into the season, he is the prohibitive favourite to win all the major tournaments.

“Rafael Nadal is without a doubt the greatest clay court player ever, but his form over the last few seasons has many believing that he can be beaten at the French. Novak was able to eliminate Rafa from last season’s tournament before losing in the final to Stan Wawrinka.

This year would be a perfect chance for Djokovic to complete a calendar sweep and win the French Open, with Nadal, who won nine of his 14 Grand Slam titles at the tournament, struggling to find his old lethal form.