Today in Geneva, world no. 1 Novak Djokovic lost to Tomas Machac 46 60 16 in the semis. Though he did get three matches in Geneva, as a late wildcard entry, the 37 year old does not believe he’s a favorite to win the second Grand Slam of 2024.
“Of course I’m worried. I haven’t played well at all this year, apart from a few matches here and there. Things are what they are. I don’t see myself as a favorite in Paris. I will try to take the matches one after the other. I didn’t have a great night, and today was tough. I had horrible feelings during the first part of the match. I don’t want to take any credit away from Tomas (Machac), who deserved his victory, but I don’t know what to think of this match. I prefer to forget it. I don’t know how I was able to win the second set either. I was hoping to play more than one match when I came here, and I played three. But I wish I could feel better. It’s not nice to suffer like that on the court. It’s hard to concentrate on tennis when you have other things on your mind. I just hope to be ready and in good health for Roland-Garros.”
The 2024 French Open begins on Sunday.
French Open · Head · Lacoste · Novak Djokovic · Tomas Machac
Scoop Malinowski · May 24, 2024 at 1:19 pm
It’s possible Djokovic subconsciously tanked out of Geneva to get a headstart on Paris. Why burn valuable energy on winning a meaningless title when he may need it to get to the second week and face Rafa in the semis?
Cory · May 24, 2024 at 7:27 pm
Great point. Likely didn’t lose on purpose, but prob once he was down a break+ in the 3rd, he said “ehhhh”
I still think he’ll be a different animal at RG24… i’ll lay the coin on him pre-tourney.
Sam · May 25, 2024 at 8:27 am
Scoop, as mediocre as his tennis has been this year, do you really think Djokovic can play himself into form now with so little practice? 🤔
Scoop Malinowski · May 25, 2024 at 8:49 am
Yes of course he can, all it takes is a match or two. But the question is how much does he really want it? Is he still obsessed with drive to prove hes the best? Or are there others who want and need it more?
Sam · May 26, 2024 at 12:44 am
Good question, Scoop. I think he’s burned out and has a serious case of ennui. 😑
Scoop Malinowski · May 26, 2024 at 8:38 am
Sam, he could missing some fire and hunger — or he could be posturing himself in a weakened state, only to unleash the real, fully obsessed Novak Djokovic starting next week.
Sam · May 26, 2024 at 9:28 pm
Scoop, well, one good thing is that Djokovic has lowered general expectations and is not considering himself a favorite—at least publicly. So, that could bode well for him. If he can get past the first three rounds, don’t you think his chances of making the final are pretty decent?
Scoop Malinowski · May 27, 2024 at 8:32 am
Sam I think Djokovic’s chances of winning the title are pretty decent right now. Let’s not forget who he is and that he knows every trick in the book to create the illusion he’s not near 100 percent )
Sam · May 27, 2024 at 7:45 pm
😎