Uncle Toni: Usual suspects can challenge Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros

French Open

Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, says four “usual suspects” can challenge the Spaniard for the French Open title.

The 32-year-old Spaniard is looking for his 11th title at Roland Garros.

He is, of course, the clear favourite win another trophy, but Toni says four other players should not be written off.

“I’d say, besides Rafa, the most serious contenders are Novak Djokovic, Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev. The usual suspects,” Toni said. “And I’d throw Juan Martin del Potro into that group as well.”

He added: “Dominic is the only player who has managed to beat Rafa in the past two years on clay,” Toni said. “He’s a complete player with no glaring weaknesses and is tough to defeat.”

When asked if Thiem heir to Nadal’s clay-court throne, he replied: “Dominic adapts well to clay, but the reality is you have to play well against all competition and on all surfaces. Rafa is much more than [just a clay-court expert].

“There are so many emerging talents right now in the game.”

Alexander Zverev Dominic Thiem French Open Juan Martin del Potro Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal

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