Novak Djokovic aims 23rd Grand Slam title as French Open set to kick off on Sunday in Paris

Novak Djokovic (Source: Twitter)

Former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic would look to strengthen his case in the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) debate by winning a third French Open, which kicks off on May 28 in Paris, France. Currently, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are tied with 22 Grand Slam titles and with the Spaniard out due to injury, the Serbian has every chance of surpassing the record.

However, Djokovic will face another Spaniard, 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, who will pose a threat to his record. It wouldn't be surprising if the US Open champion stormed the French Open in a bid to put his name on the list of greats. While many expect Alcaraz to win the Roland Garros, Djokovic himself has already rated the youngster as a tough player. "He's the player to beat on this surface, no doubt," the 36-year-old said in Rome.

Djokovic triumphed in France twice, but his pace and variation are less suited to his attacking game, so clay has never been his preferred surface. His game was also hampered by an elbow injury that forced him to withdraw from the Madrid tournament.

Tennis greats back Djokovic to win Roland Garros despite not in great form

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said that Djokovic is not in great form coming into French Open, but it will be very difficult to beat him in the Slams. "He (Djokovic) hasn't had the normal leader that he has coming in, but, when he plays Grand Slams, he's really difficult to beat," he said.

The CEO of Tennis Australia further said that Djokovic has a few Slams left in him, but no one knows how many. "So you know, I think at some point it's going to happen, whether it be here or at the Wimbledon or the US or back at Australia. I think he's, we all know he's got quite a few Slams left in him and we still don't know how many," Tiley said.

While Nadal confirmed his withdrawal from the competition due to a hip injury, former American tennis player John McEnroe believes Djokovic has a good chance of winning the Roland Garros.

"He's tied with Rafa, so this is an opening. He's had a tough year and a half in a lot of ways, and he's also done some incredible things. Novak, he's always looking for some inspiration, some fuel, and he's got some now, and he's got a great chance," the legendary player said.