Novak Djokovic will kick-start his French Open campaign against America’s Mackenzie McDonald on May 27th. Three days ago, Djokovic ended his trophy drought by clinching the Geneva Open after a tough battle against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz.
After the match, Djokovic in the press conference confessed that he had experienced a drop in his motivation level after Rafael Nadal‘s retirement. The Serb attended the tribute ceremony of his longtime rival, held just a day after he won the ATP 250 tournament in the Swiss city.
Djokovic was present on the famous Philippe-Chatrier along with Andy Murray and Roger Federer to make the ceremony even more memorable. Later in his pre-tournament press conference in Paris, Djokovic expressed his wish to have a similar farewell ceremony.
But at the same time, I was sad and I still am sad that they’re all gone. Those guys were my greatest motivations for why I competed so intensely and for so long. I do think that Rafa deserved what he got yesterday in full intensity of its glory.
Novak Djokovic said at the press conference
A plaque of Nadal’s footprint will remain engraved on Chatrier forever. Nadal, Djokovic, Federer, and Murray have won a combined 69 Grand Slam titles. Except for Djokovic, all the Big 4 members have called time on their respective careers.
I do wish one day I can get the kind of goodbye from the world of tennis. I didn’t think about the exact date, or a moment, if that’s what you’re looking for. It was more just in general about how beautiful that moment is. I got emotional listening to him speak and seeing the reactions of his family and team members.
Novak Djokovic added
Federer was the first member to retire (at the 2022 Laver Cup), followed by Murray at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Nadal hung up his racket at the Davis Cup, late last year.
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Chris Evert cannot foresee Novak Djokovic winning the French Open
Novak Djokovic is expected to struggle at the French Open, given that it’s a Grand Slam tournament he won just thrice. Last year, despite his struggle to reach a final, he made deep runs in almost every tournament he played.
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/We Are Tennis)
But this season, it hasn’t been the case so far. The 38-year-old lost three consecutive matches twice, including his first two clay-court tournaments (in Madrid and Rome). Although he did win his 100th ATP title in Geneva, at the Roland Garros, things will be different. He will have to play to his full potential in seven consecutive matches to win his historic 25th Grand Slam title.
There will be tough opponents in the form of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, World No.1 Jannik Sinner, and last year’s French Open runner-up Alexander Zverev. Former player Chris Evert doesn’t think Nole will taste success in the clay-court Major.
I don’t know after watching him the last few weeks, I don’t see him winning this title. I don’t see…you know…I think this week will tell a lot.
Chris Evert told TNT Sports
Djokovic is projected to meet Zverev in the quarterfinals. If he is able to beat the German, he could set up a blockbuster semifinal against Sinner. Then there’s a possibility of meeting Alcaraz in the final.
Last year at the French Open, Djokovic was forced to withdraw from his quarterfinal match against Casper Ruud. Two months later at Roland Garros, he became an Olympic gold medalist for the first time in his career. Djokovic last lifted the French Open in 2023 by breezing past Ruud in the final. He hasn’t tasted success in Majors since winning the 2023 US Open.