Novak Djokovic is unfazed by the prospect of facing Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open. The top half of the draw is stacked, with the world number one on course to face the 13-time winner as early as the quarter-finals.
A second meeting with the game’s brightest young star could take place in the last four, with a possible rematch with Stefanos Tsitsipas on the cards in the final. Despite the stiff challenges in his way, the world number one is confident he can have a strong tournament.
“I feel I am always in that contention to fight for any grand slam trophy,” he said. "I believe in my own abilities to get far and to fight for one of the most prestigious trophies in the world of tennis. As a defending champion, of course, more so, to believe I can do it again.”
Nadal meanwhile, is still searching for his best form after returning from a rib injury earlier this month in Madrid. His Italian Open campaign was derailed by his chronic foot problem as he succumbed to Denis Shapovalov in the last 16.
He is often the overwhelming favourite for the Roland Garros crown but that is not the case for the Spaniard ahead of this year’s event. Despite his fitness concerns, he is focused on playing his best tennis to give himself the best chance to win a record-extending 14th title in the French capital.
“It (the foot injury) is something that I live every day with, so is nothing new for me and is not a big surprise,” Nadal said. “So I am here just to play tennis and to try to make the best result possible here in Roland Garros, no? And if I don’t believe that this thing can happen, probably I will not be here,” he said.
Nadal's compatriot Alcaraz has taken 2022 by storm, capturing four titles to move into the top 10 in the world rankings. The world number six has won titles in Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Barcelona and Madrid.
Alcaraz became the first man to beat Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in consecutive matches on clay before becoming the youngest player to lift the title in the Spanish capital. “Winning here gives me a lot of confidence ahead of Roland Garros and it's something I have as my goal,” he told Marca after picking up his second Masters 1000 title. “My goal this year is to win a Grand Slam and hopefully it will be in Paris.”
Alcaraz begins his French Open campaign against Argentina’s Juan Ignacio Londero on Sunday.
