In episode 71 of Eye of the Coach, released just before the start of the clay court season, Patrick Mouratoglou explained that he thought the 2023 French Open was wide open due to the long absence of Rafael Nadal. A few weeks on, after several tournaments played on clay, the situation has changed a little.
While the defending champion is still absent and an uncertain starter at Roland-Garros, his biggest rival Novak Djokovic is suffering from a right elbow injury and has not shown any certainty on the surface in his outings in Monte-Carlo and Banja Luka. With Andrey Rublev winning in Monte Carlo, Carlos Alcaraz in Barcelona and Holger Rune in Munich, there are plenty of contenders for the title at Roland Garros!
All in all, it’s a situation that makes Patrick Mouratoglou say in the latest episode of Eye of the Coach that Roland-Garros is even more open than he thought a few weeks ago.
BEST MOMENTS FROM EYE OF THE COACH #70
0’25: The problems of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, arguably the two best players of all time and the ones who usually dominate on clay, make the situation even more open for Roland Garros.
0’55”: Three players have broken away since the start of the clay court season, Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune and Andrey Rublev.
1’10”: There are still two clay-court Masters 1000 tournaments to come, Madrid and Rome, which will provide even more information before we get to Paris.
1’20”: There will be no surprises at Roland Garros. For Patrick Mouratoglou, one player will rise to power in Madrid and/or Rome until Paris.
