In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Patrick Mouratoglou underlined the enormous importance of the Roland Garros 2022, especially for the Spaniard Rafael Nadal and the Serb Novak Djokovic.
Mouratoglou analyzed: “The clay season is expected to be one of the most interesting in recent years. The stakes are very high, especially at Roland Garros. I take the liberty of saying that the French Open will be a fundamental crossroads. If Rafael Nadal were to prevail in Paris, he would have two Grand Slams ahead of Novak Djokovic.
If instead Nole were to triumph, he would have a greedy chance of overtaking at Wimbledon. Djokovic has more chances than Nadal on the grass. For the reasons I have explained, Roland Garros could be the key to the whole season.”
These first months of 2022 have turned the tables on the table. Simona Halep’s new coach explained: “Due to the vaccine history, Novak has been able to play very little so far and had to miss the Australian Open. On the other hand, Rafa has gained a lot of confidence by winning almost everything. Now it is Nadal who has the advantage, but there is a question mark about his physical condition.”
Nadal, Djokovic and the Slam Race
Rafael Nadal’s triumph at the Australian Open may have changed the hierarchy in the GOAT race. Arriving in Australia amidst a thousand uncertainties, the Spanish champion has achieved one of the most unexpected feats of his entire career.
There is no doubt that the Majorcan benefited from the absence of Novak Djokovic, unable to defend the title due to the well-known vaccination issue. The number 1 in the world did not play his favorite tournament, where he would go after his tenth seal.
Given the gradual relaxation of restrictions, the Serbian should regularly take part in the clay court season. France abolished the vaccination pass several weeks ago, so Nole will have no problem playing Roland Garros.
The 34-year-old from Belgrade will be called upon to defend the title he won last year, while Nadal will try to reach 22 Grand Slams. The 35-year-old Majorcan broke his rib during the Indian Wells Masters 1000, which is why he will have to skip the first rounds on red.