Novak Djokovic (Photo : NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic is still considered the favorite to win the French Open this year despite falling short in Rome against world No. 2 Andy Murray.
After successfully winning the Madrid Open earlier this month, Djokovic fell short to record yet another back-to-back titles, losing against Murray 6-3 6-3 in the final round of the Italian Open. It was the first lopsided defeat for Djokovic this year, but many are not deterred by the world No. 1's shortcomings in Rome, including tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who predicts a French Open glory for the 11-time Grand Slam winner.
"Rafael Nadal is the big wild card, and Djokovic will hope he isn't in the same half, but even though Djokovic has yet to win the French Open, he is still the favourite," Navratilova said, reports The Telegraph's Tennis Podcast.
Djokovic has yet to win a title at the French Open, although the Belgrade native was close to actually winning the tournament in two straight years against Rafael Nadal and defending champion Stan Wawrinka, respectively.
Djokovic's latest setback may have not affected his chances to win at Roland Garros, considering the Belgrade native's dominant run in the past two seasons, earning him Grand Slam victories in the process. However, it could certainly play a part in the Serb's confidence as he heads into his 12th French Open appearance.
Former tennis pro and ESPN tennis analyst Patrick McEnroe believes Djokovic is under pressure to win the elusive French Open title, with the 28-year-old running out of time as he has become "more susceptible" on the clay surface.
"The older he gets, the more difficult it's going to get to win the French, which is the most physically demanding of the majors. I won't say Djokovic is running out of time ... but he's running out of time," McEnroe wrote.
Djokovic enters the Tour's major event as the top seed, which means he would have to get past the early rounds for a potential clash with other favorites like Nadal, Murray and Wawrinka. But with Nadal seemingly regaining his old form just in time for Roland Garros and Murray getting the needed boost following his victory at the Italian Open, Djokovic could find himself in another familiar situation .
