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Wawrinka deems Djokovic big favorite at Roland Garros

Xinhua, May 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

World No. 4 Stan Wawrinka told media on Sunday that top seed Novak Djokovic is the favorite "for sure" for this year's French Open, though he thought it'll be interesting to watch other hopefuls.

The 31-year-old Swiss, who came late for his title defending campaign at Roland Garros after snaring Geneva title over Marin Cilic on Saturday, said it's going to be an amazing Grand Slam except Roger Federer's withdrawal due to injury.

"Despite that, it's going to be interesting French Open, for sure since there are many, many good players in form," he said. "Novak is the favorite, for sure. But I think it's going to be interesting to see what's going to happen with the other players."

Wawrinka, crowned at the 2014 Australian Open before showing his capability on clay court, beat all the odds to sneak up last year over the Serbian, who turned 29 years old on Sunday when the tournament organizers hosted a small party at the player's lounge to celebrate his birthday.

"Talking about Novak, he's still playing amazing tennis, if you look what happened this year already, and since last year in the final," he said. "He's going to be really difficult to beat. That's a fact.

"I watched some highlights (of last year's final against Djokovic)...That's always some good memories to take...But I'm not going to take anything for this year."

"It was one year ago. It's a completely different story. It was a final. Now I know how it is. It's a new Grand Slam, new tournament, new player to play. You need to start from the beginning," he added.

Wawrinka takes Czech Lukas Rosol in his opening match on Monday, an opponent he nailed down in three sets this week in Geneva.

"I'm happy to have won yesterday. It was important tournament for me. Took some big confidence by winning the trophy there and arriving here," he said, referring to the Geneva title.

"For sure it's late arriving for a Grand Slam, especially if you want to go far in a Grand Slam, but I think I'm feeling good. I'm feeling fit. My tennis is there, and I'm ready to play my first match tomorrow." Endit