Former world number one Jim Courier believes that Rafael Nadal, in good health, is still slightly favorite against Novak Djokovic for the Roland-Garros title. Nadal, 13 times Roland-Garros champion, lost to Djokovic in the semifinals of the legendary tournament this year.
Nadal was hampered by a foot problem and only played one tournament after Roland Garros before ending his season. Courier notes that Nadal is still the big favorite for Roland Garros, but that Djokovic is the favorite over Nadal everywhere else.
“And for Rafa, how is he going to react, how is his foot going to react after being out for much of the season trying to cure him after he gives up at Roland Garros.
He is still the favorite at Roland Garros. Slightly, a bit more than Novak – assuming they’re both healthy. And Novak is probably the favorite everywhere else, certainly at Wimbledon, “Mr.
Courier while on Tennis Channel.
Casper Ruud praises Nadal
In the ATP Finals, debutant Ruud showed his respect and admiration for Nadal. “I think his entire character is an inspiration.
He’s very, very competitive. It doesn’t matter if it’s tennis or golf, he’s a very competitive guy. He sort of has two personalities, one on the pitch where he is the fiercest, a tough guy who plays with a lot of intensity but he is always kind and respectful to his opponents.
Then, off the field, he is very, very normal, very nice. He always says hello, “Ruud said of Nadal.” Whenever he’s in Mallorca, at the academy, everyone treats him like a normal person because they’re a little used to him.
I think he appreciates it. I probably would if I was him. It’s nice to see that he’s a very, very normal guy, at least under the circumstances where he’s at home in Mallorca. ”
