Novak Djokovic is going to be a big contender for French Open title if he doesn't have any issues, says Alex Corretja

Former World No. 2 Alex Corretja recently gave his verdict on former World No.1 Novak Djokovic's French Open chances.

The Serb recently competed in the 2023 Italian Open. He got off to a good start by beating Tomas Etcheverry, Grigor Dimitrov, and Cameron Norrie to reach the quarterfinals.

However, his run was cut short by Danish youngster Holger Rune. The Dane defeated the Serb in three sets, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, in a tight clash that lasted two hours and 19 minutes.

He will now be aiming for his 23rd Grand Slam title at the 2023 French Open, and the absence of his arch-rival Rafael Nadal, a 14-time winner at the clay-court Grand Slam, will make the Serb's job easier.

Alex Corretja recently told Eurosport that Novak Djokovic will be the title favorite at Roland-Garros this year if he doesn't have any issues. He also stated that the 22-time Grand Slam champions' chances at the Major will not be harmed by a lackluster clay-court season.

"I think if Novak doesn't have any issues, I'm sure he's going to be a big contender for the title. He knows how to win [at Roland-Garros], he has done it already twice and he has won so many majors, he knows how to deal with the pressure even though he didn't have an unbelievable clay-court season," Corretja said.

"He is going little by little and he will increase his level. He knows how to be the favourite of the tournament, and I think Novak is going to be ready to do well," he added.

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"Even if Novak Djokovic struggles at some moments or whatever, he will find a way; he's a champion" - Alex Corretja

Novak Djokovic pictured at the Internazionali BNL D'Italia 2023 - Day Ten.

Alex Corretja then stated that Novak Djokovic has been preparing well this season and that even if he struggles at times in Paris, he will eventually find a way because he is a champion.

"I'm sure that he's been preparing this season that he’s going to get to Paris and he's going to find his peak at the tournament, and even if he struggles at some moments or whatever, he will find a way. He's a champion," he said.

Corretja added:

"He knows how to deal with those moments where there are some questions. And then he will be ready for the important matches. He's very stable, because physically he's strong and because mentally he's like a machine. So he knows how to deal with those moments."