Former World number eight Marcos Baghdatis has backed young sensation Carlos Alcaraz to beat both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the upcoming French Open 2022. Alcaraz has impressed with his solid game in the recent past and won titles in Barcelona and Madrid.
As Alcaraz is in fine form, he is picked as a favorite by a lot of Tennis boffins for the Roland-Garros. In fact, Alcaraz had beaten his idol, Rafael Nadal, in the quarterfinal of the Madrid Open and also bested Novak Djokovic in the semifinal. Ergo, he had become the first player to beat both Nadal and Djokovic in the same event on clay.
Alcaraz has definitely hogged the limelight and there is no doubt he can go a long way in the French Open if he brings his A-game to the court.
Marcos Baghdatis said in a recent interview while speaking to the reporters, “For sure, Carlos [Alcaraz]…[Novak] Djokovic and [Rafael] Nadal will be there until the end of this year too… It’s tough to say that [the other players] will defeat Nadal or Djokovic, in five sets – it’s very difficult.
“The only one that maybe can – depending on how long he can last mentally and physically in a grand slam – is [Carlos] Alcaraz, for sure on clay. At Wimbledon I see Djokovic, and the other tournaments I see Djokovic and Rafael [Nadal].”
Meanwhile, Alcaraz didn’t play in the Italian Open to be fully fit for the all-important French Open. The Spaniard also feels he is ready to win his maiden Major title.
Alcaraz can face Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinal of the French Open. The youngster had recently beaten the German in the final of the Mutua Madrid Open in straight sets. Alcaraz will face a qualifier in the opening round of the French Open.