‘Novak Slam' will be greatest feat: Bjorg

London: When the cameras stop rolling at Roland Garros, in just over a fortnight, the chances are that a new record will stand in men's tennis. But who will claim it?

Will it be Rafael Nadal who reinforces his status as the king of clay with a seventh French Open title, moving past Bjorn Borg's tally of six? Or will Novak Djokovic complete the first Grand Slam since 1969?

Borg told The Daily Telegraph that the "Novak Slam" would be the greater feat — indeed, arguably the greatest in the game's history. "The last one who did that was Rod Laver," Borg said. "But you have to look at the competition — it's unbelievable today. If Djokovic could do it, that would be the biggest achievement, of course. It's a long way to go, but he is playing unbelievably good tennis."

Judging by the way Nadal has regrouped from his surprise defeats in two clay-court finals last year, one wonders whether 2011 will turn out to have been Djokovic's best chance.

Best seasons

"What Djokovic did last year is one of the best seasons any player has had in tennis," Borg said.

"It was something special. We all remember his match against Roger Federer in the Paris semi-final. Federer lost the final but, if that had been Djokovic playing Rafa, maybe it would have been different. Djokovic was the first player who had beaten Nadal at his own game. He had a mental advantage over Rafa then."

As for that collection of six French Open titles — which Nadal equalled last year — Borg says he will be cheering Nadal on. "Records are meant to be beaten," he said. "Rafa is the greatest clay-court player ever." One name that has hardly been mentioned in the pre-tournament speculation is that of Andy Murray.

Niggling injury

The fourth seed has had a disappointing season, he lost 7-6, 7-6 to world No. 92 Ernests Gulbis in an exhibition match in Paris. A niggling injury in Murray's back has bothered him, prompting Boris Becker to recommend that he should withdraw from the French Open.

In Borg's view, though, the new collaboration with Ivan Lendl will draw the best out of the Scot. "I think Ivan has so much to give to a player," Borg said. "We remember how mentally and physically strong he was on a court. Murray doesn't yet realise what kind of coach he has today, what he can achieve with this guy by his side. He will start to realise that when he starts to win grand slams, because I think he will start to win them."

— The Telegraph Group Ltd, London 2012