"Novak Djokovic’s standard is so high, we expect him to play brilliantly every day, but it’s not easy" - Tim Henman

Former British tennis player Tim Henman recently commented on former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic's chances at the 2023 French Open.

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 in the last 16 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 for 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.

In a recent interview with Eurosport, Tim Henman stated that while the 36-year-old's standard is "too high" and everyone expects him to play brilliantly, it is not always easy.

"Djokovic’s standard is so high and we expect him to play brilliantly every day, but it’s not that easy. His career at this stage is about the majors, but he has been building up his timing and resilience for the Grand Slams," Henman said.

The Brit then stated that World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz is "fractionally ahead" of the 22-time Grand Slam champion as he has played more matches this season. Henman said that the Spaniard and Serb are in a slightly better position in the title race than other players.

"I’m sure, come the start, he will be one of the favourites. I would put Alcaraz fractionally ahead of Djokovic because he has played more tennis and had some good results on clay," Henman said.

"Djokovic’s career is now just about the majors and he is building his fitness and level of play. The level of these two is just a little bit higher," he added.

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"You can never write off Novak Djokovic" - Tim Henman

The Serb pictured at the Internazionali BNL D'Italia 2023 - Day Ten.

Tim Henman then stated that Novak Djokovic's name can never be written off as a contender for the title, despite the fact that his year hasn't been ideal for him. The Brit added that he would bet on the Serb at Roland-Garros.

"You can never write off Novak Djokovic with all his experience at Grand Slam events, and of winning so many finals. The way he moves and the way his mindset is with his pure power is just incredible," Henman said.

"It hasn’t been ideal this year – he had some time off after the Australian Open and hasn’t played that much tennis, but he has only lost three matches this year. I would still put money on Novak at Roland-Garros," he added.