ovak Djokovic has earmarked Carlos Alcaraz because the favorite for this yr’s French Open, however warned his Grand Slam historical past would maintain him in good stead as he units out for a report 23rd title on the majors.

Djokovic has struggled on clay within the build-up to Roland Garros, failing to get previous the quarter-final stage in any respect three tournaments on the floor previous to Paris.

The Serbian, who's on a collision course with Alcaraz within the semi-finals, stated: “Right now, he is the biggest favourite regardless of the fact that he has one Grand Slam and I have 22. He’s No1 in the world and he’s a player that won big titles on clay this season.

“Then again, Grand Slams are a different tournament, a different sport in a way because you’re playing best-of-five, you are playing in the most important tournaments in the world, and the experience is on my side.

“But how much will that play a role in the eventual head-to-head if I get to play him or not, we’ll get to see. But in terms of looking at it from the prospective of the game itself and the form, I think he’s the No1 favourite now.”

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Fourteen-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal dominated himself out of the match within the lead-up because of his ongoing injury problems, a withdrawal Djokovic stated was a aid such is his report towards the Spaniard in Paris.

He is at present stage on 22 Grand Slams with Nadal however seems to be the far likelier to construct on that tally, with Nadal prone to miss the remainder of the season.

Of his place within the report books, Djokovic stated: “It’s no secret that one of the main reasons I play today and compete in professional tennis is to try to break more records and make more history in tennis.

“It’s extremely motivating and inspiring for me. But things are different than they were 10 years ago in terms of how my body is maybe responding to the schedule. I’m feeling good at the moment, I don’t have any physical issues that worry me.”