‘Rafael Nadal has the slight edge and if it goes the distance he will win’ predicts Tim Henman

French Open
Rafael Nadal return

Eurosport pundit Tim Henman believes the French Open final will be “very, very close”, but believes Rafael Nadal will beat Novak Djokovic.

Defending champion Nadal and world No 1 Djokovic will meet for the 56th time in their career in the Roland Garros showpiece on Sunday.

While Nadal is looking for a 13th French Open crown and 20th Grand Slam, Djokovic is hoping to complete a second Career Grand Slam and win an 18th major.

As for their form heading into the match, Nadal hasn’t dropped a set so far at Roland Garros this year while Djokovic has had a niggling injury and was taken to five sets by Stefanos Tsitsipas in his semi-final.

2020 French Open men’s final info, recent form, betting and preview: Novak Djokovic v Rafael Nadal

Henman feels Nadal has the edge.

“I think he [Djokovic] should be okay, he is such a great athlete and I would like to think that the physical conditioning won’t play a part,” he told Eurosport.

“But when I reflect on Nadal’s path through to the final he is yet to drop a set, he is in such familiar surroundings, so I do give Nadal the slight edge going into the match.

“The last major final they played was at the Australian Open and Djokovic absolutely dominated Nadal, but I think when they are coming to Roland Garros it’s a clay court.

“This is where Nadal has made his home over the years, because he has won 12 titles, and I think the confidence that he has from so many victories, again it points to the fact in my mind that Nadal has the edge.

“I think it is going to be very, very close but I think if it goes the distance Nadal is going to win in five [sets].”

Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.

Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal

Latest