Tennis News Today: Novak Djokovic backs Rafael Nadal to win French Open 2024; Taylor Fritz's girlfriend Morgan Riddle bids farewell to Melbourne following American's Australian Open exit

Novak Djokovic believes Rafael Nadal is the favorite to win the 2024 French Open, even though the Spaniard is currently on the sidelines. Meanwhile, the Serb's quest for the Golden Slam came to an end once again after his 2024 Australian Open loss.

Taylor Fritz's girlfriend Morgan Riddle said her goodbyes to Melbourne, following the American's exit from the Happy Slam. Alexander Zverev denied being affected by his ongoing domestic abuse trial during his campaign Down Under.

On that note, here's a quick recap of the day's biggest headlines:

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Novak Djokovic says Rafael Nadal is the favorite to win French Open 2024

Novak Djokovic has claimed that Rafael Nadal remains the favorite to win the French Open title this year despite being sidelined due to a minor injury sustained at the Brisbane International in January.

Djokovic made these remarks after his semifinal elimination from the 2024 Australian Open by youngster Jannik Sinner.

"If Nadal is playing, he's always a favorite there, No. 1, no doubt. Regardless of the fact that he hasn't played much, but he is who he is in Roland Garros," the Serb told the media.

"Of course [Carlos] Alcaraz, Sinner. Anybody that is on the top, you know. I think rankings-wise you can take the first five, ten players in the world, and everyone is a favorite to win. It still takes several months, so let's see how everything evolves," he added.

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Taylor Fritz's girlfriend Morgan Riddle bids adieu to Melbourne following his Australian Open QF exit

Taylor Fritz's girlfriend Morgan Riddle continues to be a constant presence by his side, supporting him at every tournament he participates in. This was evident during the 2024 Australian Open, where Fritz reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Novak Djokovic in four sets.

Afterwards, Riddle, a social media influencer, shared her Melbourne Major photo dump on her Instagram account and listed the things she would miss the most from her time Down Under.

"Back to 11 months of separation anxiety from quokkas, timtams, Melbourne coffee, hot Aussie girls, salad sandwiches & so much more. won’t miss the vegemite though. So much love. Till next time," Riddle wrote.

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Alexander Zverev refutes being distracted by domestic abuse trial saga during Australian Open campaign

Zverev pictured at the 2024 Australian Open

Alexander Zverev has denied being distracted by his ongoing domestic abuse trial saga during his 2024 Australian Open campaign. His comments came after his five-set loss to Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals yesterday.

Zverev, facing accusations of physically abusing his ex-girlfriend and mother of his daughter Brenda Patea, is scheduled to go to trial in May. The German has consistently avoided discussing the matter and reiterated this stance during his press conference after his exit from the Grand Slam.

"No, because I have said it before: Anyone who has a semi-decent IQ level understands what's going on. I hope that most of you guys do. I'm fine with it," Zverev said.

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Novak Djokovic's Golden Slam dream comes to an end once again

Djokovic in action at the 2024 Australian Open

Novak Djokovic's pursuit of the Golden Slam was thwarted once again with his defeat at the ongoing Australian Open at the hands of Jannik Sinner. The Serb had a great opportunity to win it this year with the Paris Olympics on the horizon, after a failed 2021 bid.

The Golden Slam is a remarkable achievement which is earned by winning all four Major tournaments along with the Olympic gold medal in the same calendar year. Steffi Graf (1988) remains the only player to accomplish this feat to date.