Novak Djokovic concerned by poor form ahead of Roland-Garros after Geneva Open defeat to Tomas Machac - ‘I am worried’
By James Hilsum
Published 24/05/2024 at 22:24 GMT+1
Novak Djokovic expressed his concerns after he continued a poor start to 2024 with a shock three-set defeat to Tomas Machac at the Geneva Open. The Serbian was a surprise wild-card inclusion for the ATP 250 tournament in Switzerland, as he looked to get some form ahead of Roland-Garros. Djokovic heads to the French Open still waiting to secure a first title this year.
Watch highlights as Djokovic suffers shock loss to Machac in Geneva
Video credit: TNT Sports
Novak Djokovic admitted he is concerned by his recent poor form following a shock three-set defeat to Tomas Machac in the Geneva Open semi-finals.
The world No. 1 is still waiting for a first title in 2024 after losing 6-4 0-6 6-1 to the Czech player, and has serious doubts over his hopes of winning a fourth French Open title.
“Of course I am worried; I haven't been playing good at all this year,” Djokovic said in quotes published by atptour.com.
“[I’ve had] some [good] matches here and there but it is what it is. You have to accept it. I don’t consider myself a favourite there [at the French Open]. I’m going to take it match by match and see how far I can go.”
The 37-year-old was blighted by a stomach issue in his defeat to Machac during the first set, but found some inner strength to win the second in emphatic style with a bagel before losing the decider.
He added: “It was a terrible feeling with stomach and health today; it was not a great night and today as well.
“But I don’t want to take anything away from his win, he deserved it. I don’t know what to think about this match to be honest. I want to forget about it and move on to Paris.
“It was good that I could come here and play more than one match. I played three,” Djokovic added.
"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.”
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Djokovic will start his Roland-Garros defence against Pierre-Hugues Herbert on Sunday.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion must progress to at least the semi-finals to defend his world No. 1 ranking on the Monday after the tournament concludes.
You can watch every day of the 2024 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+.
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