The sports season continues, as just days after the conclusion of the French Open, the FIFA World Cup is about to begin. Many tennis stars are invested in the results and are already looking forward to the tournament.
Several of them have shared their predictions on who they believe will be lifting the trophy when the final whistle blows.
Tennis Stars Offer Predictions for FIFA World Cup
Novak Djokovic Makes Bold Prediction
Twenty-four-time Major champion Novak Djokovic was among the first to be put on the spot. When asked who he thought would win the tournament or who he wanted to win, the Serbian had an entire final score prediction ready to go.
“Portugal – Mexico final. Portugal wins 2-0 or 2-1.”
The tennis legend is backing Cristiano Ronaldo to finally lift the biggest trophy missing from his resume in what will be his sixth attempt. The prediction comes as little surprise, given the mutual respect and admiration the two sporting icons have shared over the years.
Home Nations Receive Strong Backing
Several players took the patriotic route and predicted that their home nations would lift the trophy in the United States this summer.
Joao Fonseca, Jack Draper, and Ben Shelton all backed their respective countries to win the World Cup. Draper even added the famous line:
“It’s coming home.”
A couple of Frenchmen also weighed in on the debate, with both Gael Monfils and Arthur Fils offering their thoughts. Monfils, who is set to retire from professional tennis at the conclusion of the season, was firm in his response, predicting a French triumph.
Fils, meanwhile, provided one of the more detailed assessments. While admitting that he wants France to win, he acknowledged that there are several other nations capable of lifting the trophy, including defending champions Argentina.
“I want France to win. And I think France or Argentina are gonna win.”
Cobolli Looks Beyond Italy
The final player to give his prediction was none other than recent French Open finalist Flavio Cobolli.
While his home nation of Italy will once again be absent from the competition, the Italian still made his pick. Cobolli said he would not mind seeing either Portugal or the Netherlands lift the trophy on July 20, which would represent a historic first World Cup title for either nation.
The tennis players have made their predictions, but who do you think will emerge victorious at this year’s FIFA World Cup?
Main Photo Credit: Clayton Freeman/Florida Times-Union]
