​It will be the first time since 2005 that Rafael Nadal will miss Roland Garros and Uncle Tony has revealed the players who have the best chance of winning the year’s second Grand Slam.

Rafael NadalPhoto: Ella Ling / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

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Toni Nadal says Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are favorites for Roland Garros 2023

Toni Nadal, who currently coaches Felix Auger-Aliassime, spoke about the absence of Rafa (who was forced to retire with a thigh injury) and said that Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are the favorites on the Paris clay.

“It’s a shame that Rafa can’t play because it’s the only tournament he’s never missed since the beginning of his career. He was unlucky not to recover in time, but it’s okay: it’s a shame, but life goes on.

If he plays next year at Roland Garros? So! I believe it because I want to believe it. I know that every year it gets harder and harder to win, but I always believe that everything will work out as it should.

In my opinion, the two main favorites are Djokovic and Alcaraz. At the moment, Alcaraz seems to be in better shape than Djokovic, but Djokovic is a great champion – if he is fit, he is hard to beat.

Alcaraz also has its advantages. There are four or five players who can lift the trophy, but if I had to bet on anyone, it would be Alcaraz and Djokovic.

Daniil Medvedev, Andriy Rublev, Holger Rune and Kasper Ruud – they have slightly better prospects than the others, but we’ll see” – Tony Nadal for SportClub.

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 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.