Novak Djokovic has always been one of the fittest, if not the fittest, players on the tennis tour. This year, however, the Serb doesn’t always look physically at his best. Former world-class player Justine Henin is having a headache.
The sand season is by far the most important in the tennis year 2024, because not only the French Open but also the Olympic Games tournament will take place on the grainy surface. Many players are increasingly focusing on their clay court tennis these days in order to be able to take part in the highlight of the season.
The Olympic tennis tournament is also of enormous importance for Novak Djokovic, after all, the gold medal is the only important trophy that is still missing from his collection. The games in Paris are probably his last chance to fulfill this dream.
However, the Serb’s status quo is worrying, because in his most recent appearance at the ATP tournament in Monaco, the “Djoker” looked anything but top fit. The former number one in the women’s world rankings, Justine Henin, also noticed this.
Tennis: Novak Djokovic’s condition “surprising”
“It’s always a bit surprising, almost disturbing, to see him in this condition,” the Belgian told “Eurosport” after Djokovic’s semi-final exit in the Principality.
The Serb has “very little” rhythm this season, “especially on clay,” analyzed Henin. “He will [auf Sand] need a lot more of his reserves because the rallies are longer.”
In addition, there are usually higher temperatures at clay court tournaments. “The players have to manage a lot,” said the former world-class player.
Novak Djokovic “not at his best level”
In their eyes, Djokovic is “not playing at his best level” at the moment. At least he still wins matches: “That gives him self-confidence. We have it here [in Monaco] seen. Reaching the semi-finals gave him back his smile.”
Djokovic himself made a similar assessment after his semi-final exit. “I’ve only played three tournaments this year. It’s completely normal to have seasons in which you don’t start well. And this one [Saison] is one of those.”
But the Serb said he could build on his performance in Monaco: “And hopefully I can play even better in the next tournaments.”
2024-04-16 08:47:00
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