Becker believes Nadal still favourite for French Open despite injury doubts swelled by Indian Wells withdrawal

Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Indian Wells Masters making his return likely set for the clay season but Becker still considers him the Roland Garros favourite.

Nadal hasn't played since the Australian Open due to an injury he sustained at the event. He's back to practice but doing it on clay, so he won't play any events before the clay season. He formally withdrew from Indian Wells but is still on the Miami Open entry list. It's unlikely how much he'll play leading up to the French Open but Becker isn't worried.

His track record at the event will always make him a favourite according to the German:

“I personally don’t think Novak is thinking about the golden slam. I think he wants to win the 23rd major of his career, which would be the record. The next major is Roland-Garros where, in my eyes, the favourite still is Rafael Nadal."

He's excited about the event hoping for a direct showdown:

“But Novak is on his heels. So let’s see what these two great champions will deliver for us.”