Alexander Zverev believes Novak Djokovic has the “competitive abilities” to get back to form amid struggles on the court
Novak Djokovic has accepted a wildcard to play at the Geneva Open after skipping the ongoing Italian Open.
Follow Us
Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev (Images via X)
Novak Djokovic’s tennis prowess is absolutely one of the greatest in the men’s circuit despite a sharp dip in form during the European clay-court swing. The Serbian legend has struggled for consistency on the court this year. But Alexander Zverev believes that the former World No.1 has the competitive ability to get back into form.
Djokovic will turn 38 three days before the French Open, which begins on May 25. He hasn’t been at his best form ahead of the Grand Slam event, with opening match losses at the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open last month. In fact, he has won only 12 matches this season out of a possible 19.
He decided to skip the ongoing Italian Open in Rome without giving a reason, which has been heavily criticised by former tennis players. However, he made one final attempt to rediscover his form and rhythm by accepting a wildcard from the Geneva Open, which begins next week and ends a day before the French Open.
Zverev was asked about Djokovic’s form after reaching the fourth round of the Italian Open. The German star revealed that Djokovic has the competitive ability to get back to form, but that will only be by his determination to keep striving on tour.
Nobody can always play at their maximum level. I still believe he will find his game again and continue to be one of the best in the world. There is no doubt about his competitive abilities; I think right now it all depends on whether he has the necessary determination to keep striving to the maximum, aiming to return to his usual level. His tennis is above the rest, but the key lies in the answer to that question. Only he can provide it.
Alexander Zverev said via Rome Press
Djokovic competed at the Geneva Open last year and did well to reach the semi-finals before losing to Tomas Machac. The World No.6 has done well in Grand Slam events despite his struggles in other tournaments, which is a big boost for him ahead of the French Open.
Alexander Zverev questions the quality of balls used at the Italian Open
For a sport like tennis, precision and feel are paramount on the court; even small inconsistencies can significantly impact performance. Alexander Zverev has questioned the quality of tennis balls used at the Italian Open. The defending champion didn’t hold back when comparing the ball to others used during this clay-court season.
It is very strange what is happening with the balls because they are much slower than in past editions, I really don’t know what they have done with them. We have been playing with Dunlop balls throughout the clay court season. I found it fast in Monte Carlo, Munich, and Madrid, but here… They can tell me whatever they want, but it is not the same. I am stringing three kilos less tension than in the other tournaments.
Alexander Zverev said
Zverev’s concerns about the ball are not the first time a tennis player has complained about the lack of uniformity in balls used across the ATP calendar. Dunlop, as a brand, has remained consistent across all major clay events, but the ball in Rome seems to be significantly slower. Zverev added that the change in ball dynamics has become a significant challenge to his game.
I don’t know, they try to tell us it’s the same ball, but it can’t be. It’s very strange. I don’t know what to say, because it’s the same company. They try to tell us it’s the same ball, but there’s no way in the world that it is.
Alexander Zverev said
However, Zverev is into the fourth round of the Italian Open after beating Lithuanian qualifier Vilius Gaubas 6-4, 6-0 in an hour and twenty-six minutes. The 2024 champion, who also triumphed at the tournament in 2017, was comfortable throughout the match and is currently on a nine-match winning streak in Rome.
He will now face Arthur Fils, who has been in good form this season and has an outstanding 7-2 record against Top 20 players on clay since the start of 2024.
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)