"Nadal and Djokovic are more vulnerable now" says Mats Wilander

Former world number one Mats Wilander is open to see several surprises at the Roland Garros this year as he believes Nadal and Djokovic are more vulnerable.

The 2021 year saw a collective rise of the so-called next-gen, with several emerging and winning Masters ahead of Djokovic and Nadal. That has prompted many to realized that the big 3 is slowly ageing and their time will slowly pass. One of those has been tennis analyst Mats Wilander, who is ready to see a surprise at Roland Garros.

He said:

"I actually think Jannik Sinner can win it. The weird thing is I don't believe Musetti can, but they're from the same country. I feel there is a chance because Novak and Rafa are more vulnerable every year, not in terms of losing necessarily but because the younger guys are hitting the ball so hard, most of them on both sides."

Wilander further explained:

"They have big serves, and I think they are taking a bit of Rafa's and Novak's confidence away from them, leaving Roger, Rafa and Novak with the only ammunition left, which is the experience of playing five sets. There's a chance that some of them will confront Nadal in the opening round and take the confidence away from him, especially if Rafa has to play a couple of challenging encounters in a row."

In the end Wilander concluded by referencing his own French Open win in 1982.

"The chances are not big; they weren't either when I won my first Roland Garros in 1982."

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