Soderling: It's amazing to see Rafael Nadal as the favourite for French Open again

Sweden's Robin Soderling says Rafael Nadal will be the overwhelming favourite for the French Open if it is held in September this year. 

The French Open is usually held in late May but has been postponed to September this year due to the current global pandemic.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Soderling says, "Of course it's going to be a completely different tournament but Rafa on clay - it doesn't matter if it's in June or September - for me, if he's healthy, he's still going to be the favourite."

"There are a couple of players who I actually feel can win the French Open. I think Thiem and Djokovic can do really well on clay but it's just amazing to see Rafa as the favourite again."

"I can't believe it's been 11 years since I beat him at Roland Garros, but it just shows you how good he has been for so long."

"He won his first French Open title in 2005 and he's still the favourite which is amazing. If this break is not going to be too long, it will help Rafa and Roger (Federer) recover. It may even help prolong their careers."

Soderling also added that he thinks it would be Nadal or Novak Djokovic, and not Roger Federer, who would end up with the most number of Grand Slams at the end of their careers. 

"It is more likely that Rafa will win a Grand Slam this year or next year than Roger. He can still do it but I don't believe he has the hunger in him now, but we will see.

When they're all retired it's going to be Nadal of Djokovic who will end up with the most Grand Slams."

Soderling is one of only 2 players to defeat the Spaniard at the French Open - the other one being Novak Djokovic.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3fho9hp