'I think he will play,' Stan Wawrinka puts Rafael Nadal as a favorite for the Roland Garros despite injury concerns

I think he will play for sure unless he gets injured. I think he will play. I’m sure that’s the reason why also he played the last few weeks, he wants to play, he wants to play the biggest tournaments. So unless he has a big problem physically and he cannot practice anymore, I think he will play. said Stan Wawrinka

Rafael Nadal started the year on high hopes but suffered a minor injury which pretty much put him out for a long period. However, the Spaniard returned at the start of the clay season and has since competed in three straight tournaments. He recently lost to Hubert Hurkacz at the Italian Open but put up a good fight to make the match interesting.

With the French Open approaching, Nadal is expected to return. Even though he and his team are uncertain about his participation, a Spanish outlet released that Nadal is set to take a flight to Paris and start the preparation for the French Open.

Stan Wawrinka believes that Novak Djokovic is also the man to beat in Paris

Stan Wawrinka had a few opinions to share concerning the French Open. He made a few predictions regarding two of the best players in tennis. While Wawrinka believed that Nadal would return for the French Open and try to win another title, he also considered Djokovic a strong favorite. 

Novak Djokovic was the fixed favorite for most of the tournaments up until this year. After a slow start, it only got worse for the Serbian, who lost very early in two tournaments. Recently, the Serbian lost in his third-round match against Alejandro Tabilo. Despite a dip in form, Wawrinka reckons that the Serbian is still the man to beat in Paris. 

I think it’s still like, of course, he didn’t have the results he wanted the last few weeks but we know how he can push his level and the way he always finds a way to play the best tennis in Grand Slams, especially in five sets also. said Stan Wawrinka via Express Sport

Along with Nadal, even Djokovic will try to get a win to get his mojo back. Moreover, with the ranking points closer than ever, Djokovic has only one shot at a title defense and has to perform to not be surpassed by Sinner.