“He Knows How to Win,” Roger Federer’s Ex-Coach Reveals What Novak Djokovic Must Do Before the French Open
Novak Djokovic has not won a single clay-court match this season after competing in Monte Carlo and Madrid.
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Novak Djokovic (via Instagram/Rolex Monte Carlo Masters)
2025 has been a patchy season by Novak Djokovic’s standards. The former World No.1 has won just 12 of his 19 matches this year, with most of them coming from the Australian and Miami Open. Roger Federer’s ex-coach, Paul Annacone, reveals what he must do to get back to form ahead of the French Open.
Djokovic has not won a tour-level title since the ATP Finals in Turin. Despite reaching three finals since then, he has struggled to play at his best level in crucial matches. After reaching the Miami Open final in March, Djokovic was expected to smoothly transition to the European clay season, but he hasn’t done that.
He has failed to win a single match on the clay court. He first competed at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he lost to Alejandro Tabilo in the second round. The 37-year-old then featured at the Madrid Open, losing to Italian Matteo Arnaldi in his opening match. After that, he chose to withdraw from the Italian Open.
His decision has been questioned by tennis legends, as it remains to be seen how match-fit he will be when the French Open commences. Paul Annacone revealed during a conversation that Djokovic needs to get himself into a good rhythm on the court.
I think he probably feels that at Roland Garros, he will be able to play himself into a good rhythm. He has had success there in the past and knows how to win. But it has been a long time since the last match. I would be asking him to play if I were coaching him. Even if he just gets a couple of matches in. It’s not like he needs to get familiar with Roland Garros. He has been there a thousand times. He doesn’t need the week before at Roland Garros to be comfortable at Roland Garros. Even if he doesn’t win the tournament next week, it doesn’t matter.
Paul Annacone said via the Inside-In Tennis podcast
Djokovic not playing at the Italian Open is the first time he will skip the event since 2006. He has won the title six times in his career. Last year, he exited the tournament in the third round after losing to Alejandro Tabilo.
Paul Annacone says Novak Djokovic can’t be written off despite struggle
Novak Djokovic is set to turn 38 on the 22nd of this month. The Serbian legend is getting closer to retirement than competing in more tournaments. Several players in the same age bracket are languishing outside the Top 100, but Djokovic is ranked World No.6. Paul Annacone believes that the former World No.1 cannot be underestimated despite his current struggle on tour.
You just can’t count great players out. You do it at your own peril. For Novak, he knows himself so well, I am sure he has thought long and hard about it. I don’t think it’s a disaster if he doesn’t play next week. I just think it would be more logical to get another few matches in.
Paul Annacone said
Djokovic reached the quarter-finals of the French Open last season despite not being in good form ahead of the tournament. He suffered an injury in his fourth-round match, which forced him to withdraw from the competition.
Novak Djokovic accepts wildcard to play at the Geneva Open
Novak Djokovic has accepted a wildcard to play the upcoming Geneva Open as he looks to find form and match fitness ahead of the French Open on May 18. The tournament starts a week before the Roland Garros. The Serbian has lost his past three matches, including early exits at clay-court tournaments in Monte Carlo and Madrid.
He withdrew from the Italian Open without giving a reason, but has now decided to compete in Geneva in an effort to spend more time on the red dirt before heading to the Roland Garros. He played at the tournament last year, reaching the semi-finals before losing to Tomas Machac in straight sets. He hopes to win the title this year and get back to form.
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