Reprinted from sportal.co.nz. Click here to see the original article at the website. 

Former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker believes Rafael Nadal is among the favourites for the French Open.

With Andy Murray out of the competition due to a back problem and Nadal in good form – winning six out of eight tournaments since his return from injury – the German feels the world number four has a real shot at another Roland Garros crown.

However, Becker also warned that world number one Novak Djokovic will be a tough competitor, as will Roger Federer.

“I think the favourite for the French Open is Rafael Nadal, or Novak Djokovic or maybe even Roger Federer,” Becker said.

“The French Open starts on Monday, matches need to be played and the first round is never easy whoever you are. But those players are my favourites.”

While he will miss out on the tournament in Paris, Becker feels it is the right decision for Murray if he is to be in good form for Wimbledon.

“Andy Murray has officially pulled out of the French Open, he was struggling with a lower back injury, although nobody knows the details. I saw him in Rome last week where he had to pull out of the first-round match,” Becker continued.

“At the end of the day, as a player you can’t perform well when you’re injured. The big one for Andy Murray is Wimbledon and for him to have a week or ten days off and recover in time for Queen’s is maybe a good thing.”