“Geneva Was Not in the Plans,” Novak Djokovic Finally Reveals the Reason for His Bizarre Clay Schedule

Novak Djokovic opened his Roland Garros campaign with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory over American Mackenzie McDonald.

“Geneva Was Not in the Plans,” Novak Djokovic Finally Reveals the Reason for His Bizarre Clay Schedule

Novak Djokovic (Image via X/We Are Tennis)

Earlier this month, Novak Djokovic shockingly withdrew from the Italian Open for the first time in 18 years. The 38-year-old had played in the event every year since making his debut at the tournament in 2007. He finally revealed why he skipped the Rome Masters and opted to play at the Geneva Open.

Djokovic had always prioritized two clay tournaments in the last decade, the Monte Carlo Masters and the Italian Open. But this season, after reaching the final of the Miami Open, he succumbed to an opening match loss in Monte Carlo. For the first time in four years, he competed at the Madrid Open, and it ended in a straight-set loss against Matteo Arnaldi.

The Serbian legend then shockingly withdrew from the Italian Open without stating any reason. His decision was heavily questioned by several former players as it was the only big event ahead of the French Open. However, Djokovic decided to accept a wildcard to the Geneva Open, which usually starts a week before the Roland Garros.

The move proved to be an inspiring one for the 38-year-old as he won all four of his matches, including his triumph in the final against Hubert Hurkacz. There he claimed a milestone 100th ATP singles title, becoming the third player to achieve the feat after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.

Following his opening-round win over Mackenzie McDonald at the French Open, Djokovic was asked why he did not compete in Rome before deciding to play in Geneva. The World No.6 explained that the Italian Open was not part of his schedule this season, while the Geneva Open was a late decision.

Anyway, Geneva was not in the plans, it was not in the schedule. But I was talking with my team and decided to [take the wildcard], because I didn’t have any, practically, only two matches on clay.

Also, after Djokovic withdrew from the Italian Open, he parted ways with his former coach Andy Murray. The split comes just six months after their partnership began in November last year, with no titles.

Novak Djokovic says he’s still finding his feet on clay despite Geneva victory

The 38-year-old has won the French Open three times in his career, but all three came with a poor start to the clay season. Fresh off from the surprise participation in the Geneva Open, he explained that he’s beginning to find his feet on the red dirt this season.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (via X/The Tennis Letter)

I rarely started really well on clay, if you analyse all of my seasons in my career. It takes a little bit of time for me to get accustomed with the surface and movement and striking the ball. So I think it was good move to go to Geneva, to be honest, because I was also struggling a little bit with confidence level, you know, doubting my game a bit. So it was good that I got four matches under my belt, won a title.

Djokovic will face Corentin Moutet in the second round of the French Open. He has faced the Frenchman only twice in his career, winning both in straight sets.

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