2024 It’s not quite working out for Novak Djokovic yet. The defending champion is looking for his rhythm before the start of the clay court classic in Paris. Will experience help him?
World number one Novak Djokovic is going into the French Open with a motto that is highly unusual for him. The 24-time Grand Slam tournament winner said before his opening match on Tuesday against Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert that he had “low expectations and high hopes” for his start in Paris this year. He was “almost a little embarrassed to express my expectations”. Because anything other than winning the title would normally be “unsatisfactory” for him.
The 37-year-old Serb traveled to the French metropolis with another disappointment after his semi-final exit at the dress rehearsal in Geneva. The former dominator on the tour has not yet found his rhythm this year and has yet to win a tournament. “Of course that affects me,” Djokovic admitted.
Last year’s winner is relying on the experience factor in his mission to defend his title. “I know exactly what I have to do during a Grand Slam tournament,” Djokovic emphasized. He usually plays his “best tennis” there. Despite the bad omens, that is also his aim this time.
His former coach Boris Becker believes Djokovic will be better at Stade Roland Garros. “He certainly hasn’t forgotten how to play tennis,” said the tennis icon on Eurosport: “He’ll get his mojo back. “
