Former World No.1 convinced Novak Djokovic will ‘raise the bar’ at French Open after two early exits on clay swing

Novak Djokovic has suffered three consecutive defeats twice this season after he was beaten by Matteo Arnaldi at the Madrid Open.

Former World No.1 convinced Novak Djokovic will ‘raise the bar’ at French Open after two early exits on clay swing

Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Wolfy)

Novak Djokovic has produced mediocre performances so far on the clay swing. After being denied his 100th ATP title by Jakub Mensik at the Miami Open, the Serb entered the clay swing in the hope of ending his trophy drought.

But the two tournaments he played did not result in his favor. He fell in straight sets against Alejandro Tabilo in the Monte Carlo Masters second round and the result was no different when he played the Madrid Open. In the Spanish capital, it was Matteo Arnaldi who registered a victory over him.

Djokovic has reached the twilight of his career but former doubles No.1 Nicolas Mahut is convinced that the 24-time Grand Slam champion will play a high level of tennis at the French Open. Djokovic has emerged victorious at Roland Garros on three occasions, last winning it in 2023.

I think it’s also emotionally and mentally that Nole hasn’t been able to raise the bar, as he most certainly will at Roland Garros. He’ll certainly be even better in Rome, already, in two weeks.

Nicolas Mahut said (H/T: L’Equipe)

Djokovic will start his bid for his 41st Masters 1000 title at the Italian Open, which starts on May 7. Last year, he got knocked out of the third round.

Djokovic last lifted a Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open and since then, he has come close to his historic 25th Major just once. He reached the Wimbledon final in 2024, but Carlos Alcaraz, who denied Djokovic the Calendar Grand Slam in 2023 by winning a thrilling Wimbledon final, clinched back-to-back wins, this time, in straight sets.

Rennae Stubbs backs Novak Djokovic to win his 25th Grand Slam title

Serena Williams‘ former coach Rennae Stubbs believes Novak Djokovic has lost motivation. Djokovic made 32 unforced errors against Matteo Arnaldi and Stubbs believes Djokovic’s opponents are not intimidated anymore while playing him.

Novak Djokovic Monte Carlo Masters 2025
Novak Djokovic (via Instagram/Rolex Monte Carlo Masters)

Stubbs thinks Djokovic has hit a wall due to his age. The 54-year-old, however, still backed Djokovic to win at least another Major.

Do i think he can still win a slam, of course! He’s the greatest player of all time BUT it’s getting harder & harder every week because i don’t care who u are, you can’t buy confidence ! U have to earn it & currently his confidence is getting chipped away at more & more.

Rennae Stubbs wrote on X

Check out her post here:

Had Djokovic won the Madrid Open, he would have become the third player in the history of Men’s tennis to win 100 or more titles after Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors. His defeat in the Spanish capital marked his third consecutive defeat this season for the second time. Prior to this, he retired mid-match in the Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev and lost to Matteo Berrettini and Botic van de Zandschulp in his opening rounds of the Qatar Open and the Indian Wells, respectively.

Novak Djokovic last lifted a title at the Paris Olympics

Last year, Novak Djokovic won just one title. For the first time in his career, he stood on the top of the podium at the Olympics.

Novak Djokovic (2)
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/NovakFanFan)

The Paris Olympics, held at Roland Garros, saw Djokovic clinch a thrilling straight-set victory over Carlos Alcaraz. Since that victory, Djokovic reached two finals: at the Shanghai Masters and at the Miami Open, losing to Jannik Sinner and Jakub Mensik, respectively.

Although Djokovic may not be a heavy favorite at the French Open, at Wimbledon, he will be. Djokovic is the winner of seven Wimbledon titles, last taking home the prestigious trophy in 2022.

Also read: (In pictures) Alexander Zverev adds to clay calling controversy after taking on-court camera snap at Madrid Open