Former world No.1 Novak Djokovic has admitted that he is considering skipping the entire grass season following his loss to Marco Cecchinato at the French Open.
The 31-year-old was stunned in a four-set thriller by the Italian underdog. Who had never previously won a grand slam match until this year’s Roland Garros. After a sluggish start to the match, Djokovic received a medical timeout for treatment on his neck. Playing in his first grand slam quarter-final since returning from an elbow injury, the Serbian continued fighting. But came up short against his gutsy opponent.
“He played amazing and credit to him. Congrats for a great performance.” Djokovic said about Cecchinato. “He came out very well. I struggled from the beginning. Unfortunately, it took me time to get well, and I struggled with a little injury at the beginning. When I warmed up, it was better.”
Despite his run to the last eight at the French Open, doubts have been cast over Djokovic’s plans for the near future. During his press conference in Paris, the 12-time grand slam champion was indecisive when asked about playing on the grass this season.
“I don’t know if I’m going to play on grass.” Said Djokovic.
“I just came from the court. I can’t give you (the media) that answer.” He later added.
The unexpected comments have caught some off guard. Since making his grand slam debut back in 2005, Djokovic has played at Wimbledon every year without fail. Winning the title three times. Last year Djokovic also won his first non-grand slam title on the grass at the Eastbourne International.
Should he chose to skip the grass season, Djokovic would follow in the footsteps of Roger Federer. The 36-year-old has chosen to miss the clay swing of the tour for the second consecutive year. Saying so that he has chosen to do it in order to rest his body.
Djokovic’s conqueror Cecchinato is the first Italian man to reach the semifinals at Roland Garros since 1978. Booking a clash with Dominic Thiem, who defeated a timid Alexander Zverev. He will once again be the underdog in that match, but Djokovic doesn’t think he should be underestimated.
“He’s playing well. He’s going to play Dominic, who is also in great form. Dominic is obviously the favourite, but you never know.” Djokovic previewed about the semi-final clash.
No time frame has been given about when Djokovic will outline his upcoming schedule. Although the grass swing begins on Monday with Wimbledon getting underway on July 2nd.
