By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday May 24, 2024
What’s the prevailing sentiment in Novak Djokovic’s camp after his 6-4, 0-6, 6-1 shock loss to Tomas Machac? Worry is the word.
“Of course I am worried,” the World No. said, in quotes published by the ATP. “I haven't been playing good at all this year,” Djokovic said when asked about his chances of winning Roland-Garros.
“You have to accept it. I don’t consider myself a favourite there. I’m going to take it match by match and see how far I can go.”
Djokovic has yet to reach a final in 2024. He was in Geneva hoping to change that, but struggled with his consistency as he fell to 14-6 on the 2024 season.
“I don’t know what to think about this match to be honest. I want to forget about it and move on to Paris,” he said. “It was good that I could come here and play more than one match. I played three,” Djokovic said. “I just need to feel better. It’s not enjoyment when you are suffering on the court feeling this way. You’re not able to focus on tennis when you have other stuff happening.
"I just hope I can be fit and ready and prepared for Roland-Garros.”
Djokovic hopes to take advantage of a wide open field in Paris. With Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner struggling with injuries, and in need of match play, there really isn’t a crystal clear favorite.
Could experience be the key for the 24-time Grand Slam champion?
It certainly can’t hurt. Djokovic is 92-16 lifetime in Paris, and he has won the title on two of the last three seasons. Main draw play in Paris begins on Sunday May 26.