Novak Djokovic is set to embark on his 20th consecutive Roland Garros campaign this month, in search of his fourth French Open title.
Djokovic is pursuing his 100th career title, and a record 25th Grand Slam, with his last major coming in 2023 at the US Open.
The Serb has had a difficult start to the clay court season, bowing out in the first round of both the Monte-Carlo and Madrid Open, before Djokovic withdrew from the Italian Open.
Since making his tournament debut in 2005, the current world number six has won the French Open three times, with victories in 2016, 2021, and 2023.
With Djokovic hinting at retiring soon, his window to become the all-time leader in Grand Slams is closing, which may explain why the 24-time major champion has just pencilled in an ATP 250 in Geneva a week before Roland Garros.
Novak Djokovic can use ATP 250 in Geneva to build momentum ahead of Roland Garros
As reported by Serbian outlet Sportklub, Novak Djokovic is set to feature at the Geneva Open, which begins on the 18th of May.
He received a special invitation to compete as a wildcard at the event, which he appeared at for the first time last year, making it to the semi-finals.
It may seem strange to fans as to why Djokovic would accept an invitation to a tournament finishing the day before Roland Garros starts, but the 37-year-old’s decision may just be the reason he clinches major number 25.
Many of the likely contenders for the Roland Garros crown, such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, are competing at the Italian Open this month.
With Djokovic’s sub-par performance on clay this season, the last thing the Serb needs ahead of the French Open is another first-round exit at a Masters 1000 tournament, which was more than likely considering both his form and the competition in the Eternal City.
Though it is still unclear why Djokovic pulled out of Rome, it could be a perfect outcome, as a deep run at a lower-level tournament may be worth its weight in gold for his Roland Garros preparation.
Djokovic will like his chances to go all the way at the ATP 250 event, while getting more matches on the dirt under his belt.
Prior to Andy Murray officially starting his new role as the Serb’s coach, Djokovic lost in the quarter-final of the Brisbane International to Reilly Opelka.
Tournament Result Opponent
Brisbane International Quarter-Final Reilly Opelka (L)
Australian Open Semi-Final Alexander Zverev (Retired)
Qatar Open First-Round Matteo Berrettini (L)
Indian Wells Open First-Round Botic van de Zandschulp (L)
Miami Open Final Jiri Lehecka (L)
Monte-Carlo Masters First-Round Alejandro Tabilo (L)
Madrid Open First-Round Matteo Arnaldi (L)
His Australian Open campaign was going well, Djokovic having knocked out Alcaraz to reach the semi-final, but he then had to withdraw during his final four match-up with Alexander Zverev due to injury.
Djokovic lost in the first round of both the Qatar Open and Indian Wells, but had an impressive Miami Open campaign, making it to the final before falling in a closely contested battle with Jiri Lehecka.
Having exited in the early stages of the Monte Carlo Masters and the Madrid Open, Djokovic will finally have the chance to put a winning streak together in Geneva before playing at what could be his final French Open.
