“Low expectations and high hopes” – Embarrassed Novak Djokovic does not know what to expect at the French Open as horrific year continues 

Novak Djokovic is now 14-6 for the year as he heads into the French Open.

“Low expectations and high hopes” – Embarrassed Novak Djokovic does not know what to expect at the French Open as horrific year continues 

Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

2024 has been horrific for Novak Djokovic, who remains titleless after one of the worst starts. Usually, the Serbian gets a couple of titles at the start of the year, but this time, he heads into the French Open without any title. 

For a change, Djokovic even played at the Geneva Open, an ATP 250 tournament, where he lost in the semi-finals against Tomas Machac. Now, all kinds of questions are arising about his form for Roland Garros. Addressing the elephant in the room, Djokovic is unsure as to what to expect from the Grand Slam. 

YouTube video

The 37-year-old hopes to win the title despite a few failed runs in previous tournaments. He is rather embarrassed to even speak about his expectations but pinpoints one reason why he is lagging and hopes to work on that. 

FS Video
(On how he feels mentally considering his results on clay this year) Low expectations and high hopes--It's tough to talk about. It's very subjective (smiling). You know, I almost feel a bit embarrassed to say what my expectations are. You know, anything but a title for me is not satisfactory, you know. 
Novak Djokovic said via Roland Garros Press

Grand Slam events are a lot different from normal tournaments, and tennis lovers still have hopes for Djokovic to prove all the critics wrong and defend his French Open title.

Novak Djokovic hopes to build on his game to make it deep in Roland Garros

Continuing the interview, Novak Djokovic revealed the most important reason for his lack of performance, which is not being able to build on games. Either the Serbian cannot start well or fails to come back after lagging in sets. 

Novak Djokovic Geneva
Novak Djokovic (via IMAGO)

Acknowledging that, the Serbian hopes to take it easy, step-by-step. He knows what it takes to make it to the finals of a Grand Slam and hopes to reach that level. 

When I say that I mean, maybe not thinking too much ahead in advance in terms of the tournament and who I might face in the later rounds, but really taking it day by day, step by step, and really building my game. Because that's what I have really been struggling with, not really playing in a consistently good level. So I obviously need that in order to have any chance to go to the final match. 
Novak Djokovic said via Roland Garros Press

Djokovic will begin his French Open campaign against Pierre-Hugues Herbert tomorrow. With a lot at stake, the Serbian will hope to make it to the finals of the Clay Major. If not, then he loses his title and place as ATP World No.1.

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