Former world No. 1 Boris Becker has some bold predictions for Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros this season, while also revealing Novak Djokovic's main goal in 2016.
Becker believes Nadal can still add another Grand Slam in his record of 14 major titles following the Spaniard's impressive run at the Monte Carlo Masters last week.
Nadal's triumph in Monaco did not include a match against career rivals Djokovic and Roger Federer, but Becker acknowledged the 29-year-old's winning form, which could boost his confidence ahead of the French Open in Paris. However, Becker, a six-time Grand Slam winner, is not convinced Nadal's next major title victory will take place at Roland Garros, where the King of Clay won nine of his 14 Grand Slam wins.
"I love Rafa and is good for tennis that he is back. The fact of having Novak, Andy, Roger and Rafa at 100% is good for the competition and everyone take advantage of it," Becker said, reports Tennis World USA.
"There I've to put my friendship with Rafa apart because as Novak's coach I hope he wins it. I think Rafa can win again a Major but not the next one [Roland Garros]."
Many believes Nadal's performance at the Monte Carlo Masters was the signal for his return to playing at a high level in the tennis scene. Henri Leconte, a former French tennis pro, was impressed in Nadal's game against Monfils last week, but the 52-year-old has doubts whether the world No. 5 could sustain his level when playing in a grueling five-set match. Nevertheless, Leconte is one of those who believe Nadal will be back to take his throne on clay-tournaments.
"He will be back, he will take his place on clay. During this period of uncertainty of Rafa no one really won on clay, except Stan Wawrinka who won Roland Garros last year and remains a big player on this surface," Leconte said.
Meanwhile, Becker admitted that Djokovic's main goal this season is competing at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil, and a Gold Medal at the quadrennial event. The Belgrade native has always been insistent that playing in the grandest sporting event in the world is his top priority for 2016, all the more reason why Djokovic had to skip grass-court tournaments leading up to Wimbledon.
"Our big goal is the Rio Olympics where Nole will play both singles and doubles. In Beijing, Nadal won, and Murray won in London. Novak's never won and this is an incentive to do well," Becker added.
In 2012, Djokovic had the chance to win his first Olympic Gold Medal in London, but was halted by world No. 2 Andy Murray in the semifinal round. The 28-year-old then got defeated by Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro for the Bronze medal.
Djokovic could be the favorite to win this year's Olympic Games after a stellar start to the season that saw him win the Australian Open, as well as tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami. But after his stunning loss at the Monte Carlo Masters, Djokovic must prove first if he can conquer the clay season and the second Grand Slam event in Paris.
"Olympics is as important as Grand Slams because we don't get the experience of playing in a team too much. I feel privileged to be going to Rio and I would definitely playing both singles and doubles," Djokovic said, reports The Times of India.
"I will prioritise it like a Grand Slam but still it's not end for me even if I don't win."