Novak Djokovic remained defiant about his Roland Garros title hopes despite losing in the Rome quarter-finals.
It wasn’t the best day for the world number one as he exited Rome with a 6-2 4-6 6-1 defeat to Holger Rune in the last eight.
Djokovic’s bid for a seventh Rome title ended in a three set defeat as he continued to suffer the effects of an elbow injury.
The loss means Djokovic will enter Roland Garros with only five wins from three tournaments and not a single clay court title to his name as the second Grand Slam of the year begins on the 28th of August.
Firstly speaking about the match Djokovic cited the conditions as potential reasons for the defeat, “I mean, slower conditions these days. I think this is probably the coldest and wettest tournament I’ve ever played here in Rome,” the Serb explained.
“I don’t really recall so many days in a row raining. Obviously in these kind of conditions, it’s very difficult to get the ball past him. He’s very, very fast, very quick. Great anticipation. Just a very talented, dynamic player, all-around player.
“Yeah, he was just better. He played too good for me for most part of the match. I did have a bad start of the third set. I think that’s where match kind of shifted to his side. He kept his nerves and deserved to win.”
The slower conditions made it more difficult for Djokovic’s injury as he enters the most open Roland Garros in the last 20 years with minimal confidence.
However Djokovic remained defiant about his chances of winning the title in Paris when asked in his press conference, “Yes,” Djokovic answered when asked if he is still confident heading into the French Open.
“I know I can always play better. Definitely am looking forward to working on various aspects of my game, of my body, hopefully getting myself in 100% shape. That’s the goal.
“I always like my chances in Grand Slams against anybody on any surface, best-of-five. Let’s see how it goes.
“I mean, Alcaraz is No. 1 in the world from Monday. Obviously he’s playing amazing tennis. I think it’s also good for our sport that we have new faces, new guys coming up. It’s normal. We’ve been saying this for years, that we can expect it to come, that moment to come when you have kind of shift of generations.
“I’m personally still trying to hang in there with all of them. I’m happy with – of course, very happy with – my career so far. I still have the hunger to keep going. Let’s see how far I’m going to play.”
Djokovic will be searching for his 23rd Grand Slam title and his third Roland Garros title in Paris.
