Mats Wilander rates Novak Djokovic as a narrow favourite ahead of Rafael Nadal to win the French Open. The Spaniard is aiming to win the Coupe des Mousquetaires for the 13th time and fourth year in a row. The French Open will take place in the autumn rather than the spring, meaning heavier conditions and the use of floodlights for the first time. Wilander, who is working for Eurosport during the tournament, told the PA news agency: “I think the field has a much better chance this year than any year I can remember since Rafa started winning. “It’s a huge, huge difference for Rafa. This is a huge challenge for him and he’s going to be praying for some kind of Indian summer. For Novak, I think it’s perfect. Novak nearly beat him that time when it was rainy (the 2012 final). “But even the field – I think the hard-court players are going to do better because it’s not as slippery when it’s a little wetter and colder, the balls don’t spin as much.” Scrutiny of Djokovic’s on-court behaviour has inevitably intensified but Wilander thinks the unfortunate incident could end up working in his favour. The Swede said: “I think it’s one of those lessons where you go, ‘Man I can’t believe I just did that. That is so stupid and so unlucky. How am I going to bounce back? I’m just going to tell myself I need revenge on myself and I’m going to win everything. I am not buckling to anything or anybody. I’m going to win Rome, I’m going to win Paris’. “He’s so good and he’s so strong mentally when he decides to be. Obviously he could have won the US Open but these things happen. And I think this has given him somewhat of an identity, which he hasn’t really had compared to Rafa, who’s the absolute warrior, and Roger (Federer), who’s this classic, elegant, fans’ favourite wherever he plays. “Novak might be the best player of all time and now we have an identity – he’s a little bit the bad boy. I think he’s getting a lot of respect for caring as much as he does. I think it helps him.”
Source: Tennis365