Novak Djokovic: Bad Start to Clay Has No Effect as Andy Roddick Makes Huge Claim on the Serb’s French Open Chances

Published 04/15/2024, 12:42 PM EDT

Novak Djokovic is struggling this season. From a shock exit at the Australian Open to an early departure from Indian Wells, followed by a Miami Open withdrawal, 2024 seems to be a bust. However, fans hoped to see him back in his form in Monte Carlo but his disappointing luck continued as Djokovic only managed to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. However, as the next significant match at the Roland Garros draws near, Andy Roddick still bets on Djokovic to show his magic on the court.

During the Tennis Channel live podcast, Andy Roddick said, “I still think it’s Novak.” Djokovic was the 2023 French Open Champion last year. Although he might not have performed his best this year, he made his presence clear at the Monte Carlo by breaking several records. With three French Open titles to his name, Djokovic is indeed one of the strong contenders in the upcoming tournament. With speculation of his potential retirement after the season, fans are waiting to see him conquer his fourth French Open title this season. Apart from Djokovic, Roddick has his hopes for three current top players in the tennis world.

The retired American star also emphasized the bright futures of rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, highlighting their capacity to excel in the French Open. “I still think it’s a healthy Sinner. Alcaraz is going to get into this clay court season mix,” Roddick added. Sinner, the finalist of the Monte Carlo, has shown his incredible skills by having a well-deserved victory at the Miami Open. The new World No. 2 also reached the semifinals of the Indian Wells this year. Although he is currently recovering from an injury, fans are hoping to see him back on the court soon.

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Novak Djokovic defeated the Indian Wells winner, Carlos Alcaraz, in the semi-final match of the French Open last year. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how Alcaraz makes his comeback this year. Rafael Nadal is also expected to have a comeback onto the court after a prolonged wait. The 14-time winner of the French Open is presently sidelined with an injury. But according to Roddick, “The big if is will Rafa be healthy. If he is, do you put him ahead of stuff I don’t know? I think there’s kind of that core three that are bankable”.

Roddick also expressed his thoughts on the Monte Carlo Champion of the Year, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and said, “And then there are some question marks, but I think Stef has reestablished himself just right outside that top three.” As the tournament draws near, Djokovic expressed his desire to play against his longtime rival Nadal one last time.

Novak Djokovic hopes to play against Nadal one last time at the French Open

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The 37-year-old Spaniard has been absent for over a year because of his hip flexor injury. His last participation then ATP event was during January last year in Brisbane. However, in a recent interview, Novak Djokovic shared his excitement about playing against Nadal in the French Open. He said, “As a tennis fan, I want him to play at least one more tournament before he retires. We all know what he’s done on clay in his career, particularly Roland Garros.”

In 2006, in the French Open quarter-final, fans first witnessed a match between the duo. The defending champion, Nadal, secured a lead in the match before backing down due to an injury. However, after that, Nadal won the majority of their on-court clash. In their last match, however, Djokovic earned his victory against the Spaniard. Now as the tournament gets closer, fans are waiting to see their favorite players compete once again! The tournament starts next month, on the 20th.

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Written by:

Ankita Banerjee is a Tennis writer at EssentiallySports. She seamlessly blends her keen interest in writing with an ability to analytically comprehend things. During her college days, she contributed numerous articles to the college magazine, showcasing her early passion.

Edited by:

Arunima Bhanot

Novak Djokovic: Bad Start to Clay Has No Effect as Andy Roddick Makes Huge Claim on the Serb’s French Open Chances

Novak Djokovic hopes to play against Nadal one last time at the French Open

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