Djokovic’s “Not Normal” Move Before Paris Showdown

Novak Djokovic, a name synonymous with tennis excellence, recently made a decision that raised eyebrows ahead of the French Open. With his form under scrutiny and the pressure mounting, the world No. 1 opted for a strategy that he himself described as “not normal.” Let’s delve into the details of this decision and the factors that influenced it.

A Season of Setbacks

Djokovic’s 2025 season has been far from smooth. After adding a gold medal to his glorious portfolio at the Paris Olympics in 2024, the Serb has struggled to maintain his dominance on the court. Early exits at both the Monte Carlo Masters and the Madrid Open left fans and analysts questioning his form. This turbulent phase prompted Djokovic to take a step back and reassess his approach before the prestigious Roland Garros tournament.

Adding to the sense of unease, Djokovic parted ways with his long-time coach, Goran Ivanisevic, in March. Fitness trainer Marco Panichi, another essential member of his team, also departed at the end of April. These changes in his support system further fueled speculation about his readiness for the French Open.

Skipping Rome: A “Troubling and Worrying” Decision?

One of the most significant decisions Djokovic made was to withdraw from the Italian Open in Rome. This move surprised many, as the Rome Masters is typically seen as a crucial warm-up event for the French Open.

Jim Courier, a former French Open champion, expressed his concern over Djokovic’s decision. Courier emphasized the importance of match practice and rhythm, suggesting that Rome would have been the ideal place for Djokovic to fine-tune his game on clay.

The Geneva Gambit

Instead of competing in Rome, Djokovic chose to participate in the ATP 250 event in Geneva. This decision was seen by some as an indirect response to the concerns raised by figures like Paul Annacone, Roger Federer’s former coach. Annacone had highlighted Djokovic’s need for consistent competition to prepare for the clay courts of Roland Garros.

Djokovic himself acknowledged the importance of getting more matches under his belt before the French Open.

Why Geneva?

Several factors likely influenced Djokovic’s decision to compete in Geneva:

• Match Practice: After disappointing performances in Monte Carlo and Madrid, Djokovic needed match experience to regain his confidence and rhythm on clay.
• Lower Pressure Environment: The ATP 250 event in Geneva offered a less pressurized environment compared to the Masters 1000 tournament in Rome, allowing Djokovic to focus on his game without the added scrutiny.
• Seeking Momentum: Geneva provided an opportunity for Djokovic to build momentum and gain confidence heading into the French Open.

The Geneva Result: A Confidence Booster

Djokovic’s gamble paid off. He secured his 100th tour-level title in Geneva, overcoming tough opponents like Cameron Norrie and Hubert Hurkacz in back-to-back three-set battles. This victory provided a timely boost in confidence as he prepared for the French Open.

French Open 2025: A Rocky Road

Despite the confidence boost from Geneva, Djokovic’s French Open campaign took a turn for the worse. Although he started strong with a first-round victory over Mackenzie McDonald, disaster struck later in the tournament.

During his Round of 16 match against Francisco Cerundolo, Djokovic suffered a right knee injury. Despite managing to win the match in pain, he was forced to withdraw from the tournament, forfeiting his title. This was especially tough since Rafael Nadal had already been eliminated in the first round.

“Low Expectations and High Hopes”

Before the French Open, Djokovic admitted to arriving in Paris with “low expectations and high hopes”. He acknowledged his below-par form but expressed confidence in his ability to perform at his best in Grand Slam tournaments.

Djokovic emphasized that he knew what he needed to do in the Grand Slam environment, viewing it as a different type of competition compared to other tournaments.

The Quest for a Record-Breaking Title

The French Open was particularly significant for Djokovic as he aimed for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title. His number one ranking was also under threat from Jannik Sinner, adding extra pressure to his campaign.

What Does the Future Hold?

Djokovic’s “not normal” decision to play in Geneva before the French Open ultimately proved beneficial in terms of building confidence. However, his injury and subsequent withdrawal from Roland Garros have cast a shadow over his season.

As he recovers from his knee injury, Djokovic will need to reassess his strategy and training regime. With Wimbledon on the horizon, he will be determined to bounce back and continue his pursuit of Grand Slam glory.