Robin Soderling believes tennis break ‘may even help prolong’ Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s careers
Robin Soderling says Rafael Nadal will still be the favourite to win the French Open despite its switch to September while he also believes the current tennis hiatus could help prolong the Spaniard as well as Roger Federer’s careers.
Roland Garros 2020 was initially scheduled to take place from May 24 to June 7, but with tennis on an enforced break until July 13, the French Tennis Federation moved the tournament to September 20 to October 4.
It means the clay-court Grand Slam will start only one week after the conclusion of the US Open, which might leave a lot of players undercooked for the red dirt.
Soderling, who was the first man to beat Nadal at Roland Garros when he defeated the Spaniard in 2009, says Nadal will still be the player to beat and feels the hiatus will help the 12-time French Open winner as well as Federer.
“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,” he told Sky Sports’ Raz Mirza.
“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.”
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
Olympics‘My game fell apart’ – Novak Djokovic despondent after Olympics defeat
Djokovic admitted he “felt terrible” as his dreams of an Olympic goal medal went up in smoke.
-
Tennis NewsCameron Norrie’s impressive year continues with a win against Nick Kyrgios
The Briton needed less than a hour to dispatch his Australian opponent with a clinical 6-1 6-4 win.
-
OlympicsNovak Djokovic’s golden Grand Slam dream ends in shuddering fashion at the Olympics
Novak Djokovic’s dreams of a Golden Slam are over after a defeat by Alexander Zverev.
-
Tennis NewsWATCH: King Richard trailer starring Will Smith as Serena Williams says ‘this should be good’
Nearly time to grab the popcorn for King Richard.
-
OlympicsNovak Djokovic closing in on gold at Tokyo Olympics as he admits his ‘level of tennis is getting better and better’
“Best performance of the tournament,” says Djokovic.
-
OlympicsMarketa Vondrousova’s dream turns into a reality as she stuns Elina Svitolina to reach final at Olympics
Marketa Vondrousova assured of a medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
-
Olympics‘To have the medal for me is the greatest thing,’ says Belinda Bencic after reaching Olympic singles final
Already assured of one Olympic medal, Belinda Bencic gunning for a second.
-
Olympics‘Pressure is a privilege,’ says Novak Djokovic as he explains why the noise ‘won’t wear me down’
“Without pressure there is no professional sport,” says Novak Djokovic.
-
OlympicsFabio Fognini apologies for shouting homophobic slur during Olympics defeat, says ‘heat went to my head’
“I apologise for the nonsense that came out of me,” wrote Fabio Fognini.
-
Kevin PalmerAndy Murray’s emotional message as his Olympic dream dies – now what happens next?
“I feel crushed after today’s loss. Sport can be brutal,” wrote Andy Murray.