Stan Wawrinka has shared his expectations for Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at the French Open as concerns surround both players. Djokovic suffered an early exit from the Italian Open while 14-time champion Nadal has still not committed to playing in his most successful tournament. Speaking exclusively to Express Sport, their old foe Wawrinka tamed fears that neither man would be ready for the tournament.
The French Open is arguably the most wide-open it has been in years on the men’s side. Defending champion Djokovic has barely played this season and has been unable to reach his usual dominant level. And ‘King of Clay’ Nadal is still continuing his comeback after spending a year on the sidelines.
Djokovic is usually the nailed-on favourite for any tournament he enters, especially the Grand Slams. But he has not made a final so far in 2024 and he looked flat during his 6-2 6-3 defeat to Alejandro Tabilo in Rome over the weekend. Despite his lack of form, Wawrinka believes that the 24-time Major champion is still the man to beat in Paris.
“I think it’s still like, of course he didn’t have the results he wanted the last few weeks but we know how he can push his level and the way he always finds a way to play the best tennis in Grand Slams, especially in five sets also,” Wawrinka – who beat Djokovic to win the 2015 French Open – told Express Sport.
