Evert believes Nadal has huge challenge at French Open: "Longer rallies, longer matches, the spotlight on it"

Chris Evert thinks that Rafael Nadal will face a serious challenge at the French Open with very long rallies, long matches and the spotlight completely on him.

Rafael Nadal won the French Open last year by beating Djokovic en route to the final where he proved better than Casper Ruud. It was a challenging event that required him to take daily injections to numb his foot which gave him serious pain. Many think he's the favourite for this year which is fair but Evert anticipates a serious challenge this year.

Speaking with Eurosport, the former player said:

"Again, I don't think he needs to protect himself from the mental or emotional part of his game. I think it's more just keeping your body as healthy as possible. And you know what? The French Open again, clay, longer rallies, longer matches, the spotlight on it. That's going to be a real challenge."

She also touched upon his injuries over the years:

"His injuries have not been too catastrophic, where he stays out for a year, like many other players. But what Rafa has to do for the future is really preserve his body, because he has been a warrior and there has been a lot of wear and tear because he gives 100% in training and gives 100% in matches. And he's a very physical player. And again, his style is simply to survive, to outdo his opponent. So he's spent many hours hitting balls."