18-time Grand Slam winner Chris Evert is the favorite for Roland Garros 2023, while Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will miss their usual preparations for the year’s second major.

Roland GarrosPhoto: Javier Garcia/BPI/Shutterstock Editorial/Profimedia

Carlos Alcaraz is the favorite for Roland Garros 2023, according to Chris Evert

The former great player does not exclude Rafa and Nole from the fight for the title, but believes that the favorite to win the Paris competition is Carlos Alcaraz.

The Iberian, who turned 20 on Friday, is terrorizing opponents on clay tournaments: he won in Barcelona and reached the semifinals in Madrid (against Borna Coric).

“When I look at Novak and Rafa, I question their health. These two have been the best players on the ground in recent years, but as they age, they get injured more and more and we don’t know what condition they will be in.

I think Alcaraz is ready for the Roland Garros title. I have never seen a player with such passion and thirst for victory. The guy has everything: athleticism, defense, attack, he has no weaknesses. In my opinion, if he is healthy and hungry, I think the title belongs to him.

If Novak and Rafa were not injured, I would have a different opinion. And if Rafi was 80, I would never miss him for the Roland Garros title. I don’t reject them outright, but I think they are poorly trained.

However, Novak and Rafa have a lot of experience. They know better than anyone how to manage their emotions. They are more focused on Grand Slam tournaments than others.

Wouldn’t it be great to see Alcaraz play against a healthy Nadal? If you ask me which match I’d like to see, I’d say Rafa vs. Carlos and then Novak vs. Carlos” – Chris Evertquoted by Eurosport.

Roland Garros 2023 will be held from May 28 to June 11.

Who is Chris Evert?

Evert was born on December 21, 1954 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA and first rose to the WTA No. 1 ranking on November 3, 1975.

During his career, he won 154 tournaments, including 18 Grand Slam tournaments (two Australian Open, seven Roland Garros, three Wimbledon and six US Open).

He collected $8,896,195 from tennis prizes alone. In his career, he has 1304 wins and 144 losses.

In 2011, he became a commentator and analyst for ESPN, a role he continues to play today.

Evert has three sons, Colton, Nicholas and Alexander, and works at the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Florida, according to ESPN.