I wonder as well who would be your favorite then. Alcaraz is the same thing, it is not his best surface but by all means could he win the tournament. I have quite often counted on Djokovic in the recent past, but I think his career is slowly coming to an end the same way Federer's and Nadal's came to an end. Doesn't mean he can't win it either, but I noticed that it is not the same frequency anymore with which he is a reliable bet. Sinner has become very consistent and hence I think he is always a favorite from now on. One of the favorites so to say, like Alcaraz. I wouldn't know who else would have much bigger chances and be a standalone favorite. Djokovic not anymore.
I agree with you about Djokovic, He is at Wimbledon now but he cannot confirm
if he is 100% playing. The 5 set format could either help or hinder him but in
the past it has helped him.
As regards Alcaraz we have to bear in mind that he was beaten at Queens already
in the round of 16 by draper in 2 sets, the 5 set format might suit him.
@bitbollo - tea maybe Zverev and Medvedev might be in the mix towards the end
and add in Musetti and Paul perhaps as they went well in Queens.
5 sets has always been Djokovic's distance. How often has he been a set down and everyone knew it means nothing. I remember checking the bookmakers and the odds literally didn't even change so to say. At least not by much. But these times are now over.
I don't know what to think about these "preparation" tournaments. I think often the players consider this nothing but preparation and if they make it far, then ok, but if they get kicked out earlier, it is also ok. Of course they have a winner mindset, but I doubt that Alcaraz would try as hard at Queens as he would at Wimbledon.
Zverev and Medvedev might play a role indeed, but both have this extreme volatility within tournaments. Zverev seemed to have become more stable recently though.
ah we have seen on a few occasions where Djokovich has given his opponent the first 2 sets in
grand slams and still came back to win, its not surprising from him anymore.
Regarding the preparation tournaments, a lot of them are prestigious enough, Halle and Queens.
Alcaraz had a points to defend at Queens because he won it last year. Other players have to
know they arent winning a grand slam soon so would focus on these tournaments more perhaps.
Yea, Zverev jhas become mor stable and his tennis results show a benefit in that for sure, he is
definitely one with a real chance to at least appear in the final of Wimbledon or grand slam.