Published21 May 2024, 18:56
Tennis: “I feel like home”: Novak Djokovic raves about Switzerland
Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic is the big attraction at the tournament in Geneva. Before the start of the tournament he talks about his form, Roland Garros and his family relationship with Servette.
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Novak Djokovic wants to get the finishing touches in Geneva before the French Open.
On Tuesday, the tennis superstar answered questions from the media.
He knows the city of Geneva well for family reasons and this is his first time taking part in the tournament.
Djokovic’s top favorite for Roland Garros is Rafael Nadal.
Djokomania in Geneva! For the first time ever, Novak Djokovic is taking part in the Geneva Open and is causing great tennis euphoria at Lac Léman. The ATP 250 tournament announced on Tuesday that it was completely sold out. The world number 1 himself had a bye in the first round and was in a good mood at the press conference before the start of the tournament.
“I realized that at this moment there is no better training than matches,” Djokovic explains his short-term tournament commitment when 20 Minutes asks him about his motives. In Geneva he now wants to get back into shape with a few games in time for Roland Garros.
Big praise for the Geneva tennis facility
Participation in the Geneva Open is a first for Djokovic, but he knows Calvinstadt very well because of his private connections. “I know Geneva well, have had family here for a long time and have visited them several times in the past,” said the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Novak Djokovic trained with Norwegian Casper Ruud in Geneva on Tuesday.
BASTIEN GALLAY / GALLAYPHOTO
“Unfortunately, I had never played this tournament here before,” says Djokovic and then goes into raptures. “This is one of the most beautiful tennis facilities I have ever seen in the world,” says the 36-year-old.
“I feel like I’m at home here”
Djokovic takes it in his stride that he will probably be playing in front of many fans of his long-time rival Roger Federer in Switzerland. “It’s also Stan’s country,” adds the superstar with a smile. “It’s normal that he and Roger are so popular here,” says the Serb. He has already experienced this in his appearances in the Davis Cup or at the Swiss Indoors in Basel. But there is no trace of hostility. “I feel at home here and I get a lot of support.”
On Whit Monday, Novak Djokovic saw YB celebrate the championship title.
SRF
In his entire career, Djokovic has only played twice in the week before a Grand Slam tournament. In 2017, after his appearance in Eastbourne, he had to retire injured in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. In 2021, Djokovic’s gamble paid off when he triumphed at the French Open after his home tournament in Belgrade.
Nadal remains Djokovic’s top favorite for Paris
Djoker also won Roland Garros last year. This year the field seems more open than ever. Djokovic says that Ruud, Zverev, Rublew and Tsitsipas should all be counted among the extended favorites. “For me, Nadal is always the biggest favorite on this surface,” says the Serb. But he doesn’t want to write himself off, despite his poor form. “I’m a different player at Grand Slams,” said Djokovic confidently.
Djokovic was last hit by a bottle in Rome.
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The Belgrade native explained in Geneva that his head was fine after the incident in Rome. «I’ve been able to train well for a week now and feel good. Let’s see how the game goes,” says Djokovic, who will face German Yannick Hanfmann (ATP 85) on his birthday on Wednesday, who defeated veteran Andy Murray (ATP 75).
Djokovic’s cousin marries Servette star
On Whit Monday, Djokovic stopped by the football at the Stade de Gèneve and witnessed the YB title celebrations. The Serb has had sympathy for Servette for many years for family reasons. Defender Neven Markovic was Djokovic’s best man and played for Geneva between 2013 and 2015. In the current Servette squad, Djokovic particularly knows Timothé Cognat well, as Djokovic’s cousin is engaged to the midfield star.
Djokovic posed for photos with the two Serbian-born YB professionals Darian Males and Filip Ugrinic after the game and exchanged ideas with them. Servette was also happy about Djokovic’s visit. The Grenats posted a picture of the Serb on social media and wrote: “Thank you for coming.”
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2024-05-21 16:56:20
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