In the absence of Rafael Nadal (a 14-time champion in Paris but absent due to injury), Mats Wilander sees Carlos Alcaraz as the heavy favorite to win Roland Garros in 2023.

Mats Wilander sees Carlos Alcaraz as big favorite in Paris, even though Novak Djokovic is playing at Roland Garros 2023

At the age of 20, the Iberian already won the Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2022 (after the final with Casper Ruud).

Although Novak Djokovic (one of the greatest players in the history of tennis) will also be at the start, Mats Wilander goes hand in hand with Alcaraz.

“Carlos Alcaraz prepared perfectly for Roland Garros. In Rome, he was not in the best form, but his opponent (No. Fabian Marozsan) played incredibly. But otherwise, Carlitos was great on clay, he’s at a very high level, and he also had a week and a half break before the French Open.

He’s coming in with a lot of confidence and I think the fans will be on his side. Some will want to see Djokovic triumph and break his record of 22 Grand Slams, but most will want to see a new champion.

20 years old, like Carlos. In my opinion, Alcaraz is the most exciting player to ever step on a tennis court.

The fans are so excited to see him, I’ve never seen a player generate so much energy.” – Mats Wilander for Eurosport.

The 58-year-old Wilander is a former ATP leader and has won Roland Garros three times in his career (1982, 1985, 1988). In total, the Swede won seven Grand Slam tournaments (three AO and one US Open).

Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic, possible Roland Garros 2023 semi-final clash

Alcaraz and Djokovic will be on the same side of the draw and their hypothetical meeting will take place in the penultimate act of Roland Garros 2023.

Djokovic (36) and Alcaraz (20) have met only once on the ATP circuit, on clay in Madrid, at the 2022 tournament. It was 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5) in favor of the Iberian. at the end of the spectacular match.

What you need to know about Carlos Alcaraz in 2023

This season, Alcaraz had 30 wins and three losses before entering Roland Garros.

Won tournaments in Buenos Aires, Indian Wells, Barcelona and Madrid.

What you need to know about Roland Garros 2023

• It will be the first time since 1998 that neither Roger Federer (retired) nor Rafael Nadal (injured after the Australian Open) will be on court in Paris.

• Other notable absentees from this year’s edition of the main event in Paris include Nick Kyrgios, Andy Murray, Matteo Berrettini, Marin Cilic and Pablo Carreño Busta.

Roland Garros 2023 (the second Grand Slam of the season) will be held from May 28 to June 11.