Toni Nadal has backed Carlos Alcaraz to beat Novak Djokovic to this 12 months's French Open title within the absence of his nephew Rafel Nadal. Uncle Toni sees each males because the 'prime two' event favourites however is edging within the Spaniard's favour within the perception that he's in 'higher form' heading into the Parisian Grand Slam.

"In my opinion, the top two favourites are Djokovic and Alcaraz. At this moment, it seems like Alcaraz is in better shape than Djokovic, but Djokovic is a great champion – if he is feeling well (physically), it’s hard to beat him," he instructed Tennis Majors.

"Alcaraz has his weapons as well, of course. I believe that there are four or five players that can lift the trophy, but if I had to put my money on someone, it would be Alcaraz or Djokovic."

When pressed on who's more than likely to clinch the title outdoors of Alcaraz and Djokovic, Uncle Toni replied: "[Daniil] Medvedev, [Andrey] Rublev, [Holger] Rune and Casper Ruud – they have a slightly better chance than the rest, but it’s open."

Djokovic was again in motion on the Italian Open earlier this month after skipping Madrid on account of an elbow damage. The world No 3 was solely in a position to get so far as the quarter-finals although earlier than being dumped out by Rune.

Alcaraz, in the meantime, suffered an early exit in Rome courtesy of Hungarian qualifier Fabian Marozsan in a shocking upset. However, the 20-year-old has in any other case been in glorious kind this season, securing latest back-to-back titles in Barcelona and Madrid.

Rafael Nadal will not defend his French Open crown at Roland Garros this 12 months on account of a lingering hip damage and is predicted to be out for a lot of the remaining season. The 14-time French Open champion has not competed since January when he was badly impacted by the problem on the Australian Open.

At 36 years previous, Nadal is nearing the tip of his profession, however Uncle Toni is assured he'll compete at one other French Open. "Yes! I believe because I want to believe," he added. "I know that it’s getting harder to win with every year passing by, but I always believe that things will work out well."