The 2022 French Open is 30 days away and there is heightened intrigue about the two biggest superstars in men's tennis: defending champion Novak Djokovic and 13-time champion Rafael Nadal.

Fifteen of the last 17 French Open championships have been won by either Djokovic or Nadal. It’s more likely than not that one of the two legends will win this year’s French Open, according to the betting odds. It wasn’t long ago, however, when it appeared that both men might be forced to miss the year’s second Grand Slam.

Djokovic wasn’t allowed to defend his Australian Open championship and was deported from the country in January because he didn’t comply with its COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The world’s No. 1 ranked player said he was willing to miss future tournaments due to his vaccination status, but he will be allowed to compete at Roland Garros.

Nadal’s status for the French Open became unclear when he suffered a rib injury in March. Nadal admitted that the injury was "not good news," and he has not competed in a tournament since getting hurt. On Monday, Nadal revealed that he has returned to training, following a month off the court.

Nadal is a +110 favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook to win the French Open. Nadal broke a tie with Djokovic and Federer to win his record-setting 21st Grand Slam at the 2022 Australian Open.

Nadal is 20-1 in singles matches this year, only coming up short at the BNP Paribas Open final.

A year after losing to Nadal in the 2020 French Open final, Djokovic returned the favor with a win over the King of Clay in the semifinals at Roland Garros. Djokovic won his second of three Grand Slams in 2021. His only misstep came in the U.S. Open final, where he was upset by Daniil Medvedev.

Since Wimbledon 2015, Djokovic has won 13 Grand Slams. All other players combined have 15 Grand Slam titles during that span.

Djokovic is second in the French Open field with +220 odds to win the championship.

That was then: Nadal and Djokovic after the 2015 quarter-final
That was then: Nadal and Djokovic after the 2015 quarter-final AFP / Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD
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