“You don’t lose class,” Greg Rusedski rooting for Novak Djokovic to defend his French Open title
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Greg Rusedski and Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic the world no. 1 has had an impressive career. The Serbian has 20 Grand Slams in his pocket and is only looking to increase that number. Recently, After losing to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina during his debut in the clay season, Greg Rusedski and Daniela Hantuchova predicted that Djokovic would be ready in time for his French Open title defense.
The retired former world No. 7 also discussed how the Serb’s setback in Monte Carlo to the eventual runner-up can help him gain confidence ahead of his next tournament in Belgrade. So far this season, Djokovic has only competed in two events, the most recent of which was at Monte Carlo, where he lost his first match against world No. 46 Davidovich Fokina.
By overcoming the likes of recent Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz and previous top-ten players Grigor Dimitrov and David Goffin, the 22-year-old made it all the way to the final, and Hantuchova now feels the loss will help the world No 1 prepare for his next event.
“Novak Djokovic will be ready on time,” believes Greg Rusedski
Former world No. 4 Greg Rusedski also expressed confidence that the 20-time Major winner will be back to his typical dominant self in time for the French Open, which he is defending. “It doesn’t matter how he wins; all he has to do is win matches,” stated the 1997 US Open runner-up.
“Even if it’s ugly, 6 in the third. If he wins the tournament in Belgrade, welcome back. You don’t lose class, you miss match sharpness but winning becomes a habit. He’s going to get on the train again, it’s whether it happens next week or the week after but he’ll be ready to defend his [French Open] title,” said Rusedski who continues supporting the 20-time Grand Slam Champion.
The Serbian has a 2-2 win-loss record this season, reaching the quarterfinals in Dubai before losing to qualifier Jiri Vesely and losing in the first round in Monte Carlo to Davidovich Fokina. At next week’s Serbia Open, hosted at the Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade, where his brother Djordje is the event director, he’ll be hoping to take advantage of some home comforts.
The Serbia Open had two tournaments last year, known as Belgrade 1 and 2. Djokovic lost a close semi-final against Aslan Karatsev in Belgrade 1. In Belgrade 2, he won the championship after defeating Alex Molcan in the final. Before the French Open, the world No. 1 will compete in the Masters 1000s in Madrid and Rome. Djokovic did not play in Madrid last year, but he won it in his last outing in 2019. He also reached the finals of Rome last year, losing to Rafael Nadal.
We hope that what Greg Rusedski says will come true, as fans are awaiting the Novak Djokovic who is in top form so that he can defend his title.
Also Read: WTA Stuttgart Open 2022: Women’s Singles Draw Preview and Prediction
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Harini Mahesh
(159 Articles Published)