MADRID: Novak Djokovic’s bid to conquer the French open for only the second time in his career is gaining momentum, but there are also calls for caution at the same time.
The world No.1 rallied to his 74th ATP title at the Caja Magica without dropping a single set all week. In the final against Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Serbian was in a different class compared to his weary opponent. Who was suffering from the aftereffects of his late-night semi-final clash with Rafael Nadal the day prior. The victory was Djokovic’s first on the clay since 2016.
“My goal was to start off well to try to make a break as soon as possible, which was the case right away, and I felt I was always ahead in the game.” Said Djokovic. “I felt I was dictating the play and played my best tennis so far this week.”
“This gives me a lot of confidence prior to Rome and, of course, Roland Garros where I definitely want to play my best.” He added.
Amid the triumph, comes greater expectation. In a couple of weeks time, Djokovic will be bidding to win a fourth consecutive grand slam title at the French Open. The only major he is yet to win multiple trophies at.
In the race for the title, one of Djokovic’s biggest threats comes in the form of Nadal. Who has won the major a record 11 times. The Spaniard is yet to win a title this season but displayed glimmers of his best tennis during his Madrid campaign. However, consistency continues to be an issue.
“He’s always an ultimate challenge on clay, especially in Paris. He has lost like two times in his entire career.” The world No.1 said of Nadal. “That says enough about his quality and the kind of a challenge that he is in Paris.”
😁🏆💥‼️ #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/j5hvthFQHm
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) May 12, 2019
20-year-old Tsitsipas is more level-headed when it comes to picking a favorite for Roland Garros. The Greek player points out that Madrid is not like any other tournaments. The city is located 667 meters above sea level. Meaning the ball travels quicker than it does at other European events on Dirt.
“I think Novak is in pretty good form right now.” Said Tsitsipas.
“The conditions here are so different. There’s the altitude. I think Federer said it in his previous interviews, tennis at sea-level is going to be different in the next couple of weeks, nothing compared to this tournament.”
Taking those words into consideration, it can be argued that Madrid is an inaccurate indicator of who may prevail in the upcoming grand slam. However, six out of the last 11 champions in Madrid has gone on to win the French Open within the same year since 2008. The year the surface moved from hard to clay.
Djokovic himself is also under no illusion when it comes to the challenges he faces in the change of conditions. Admitting that he needs to put in ‘quality hours’ in order to peak on the clay elsewhere. Both mentally and emotionally.
“I think because of the difference in conditions I’m going to have to obviously try to get as many quality hours on the court training and also competing because it’s going to be different.” He said
“Probably the rallies will be longer and it’s going to require more of physical and emotional endurance and resilience, but I’m ready for it.”
The French Open was where Djokovic recorded his first main draw win in a grand slam back in 2005. Defeating Robby Ginepri in the first round. Overall, he has won 63 out of 76 matches, which is an 83% winning rate.
Prior to this week, the last time Djokovic won the Madrid Open was in 2016. The same year he won the French Open.
