It is a worrying Novak Djokovic that the French public will find next week near Porte d’Auteuil. The defending champion, three-time winner of Roland-Garros, had a very complicated encounter against the Czech Tomas Machac, 44th in the world, in the semi-final of the ATP 250 tournament in Geneva.
Defeated in three sets (6-4, 0-6, 6-1), Djokovic was especially worried by his physical state. For example, a video of him drinking his bottle while shaking caused a lot of talk on social networks. The Serbian also called his physiotherapist after the first set, as he was suffering from a wrist injury.
Almost exhausted, worn out, Novak Djokovic therefore arrives at Roland-Garros in a form that is difficult to understand. On this subject, the Serb explained himself after his defeat against Machac.
“I didn’t feel very well. I suffered a lot from my stomach. I was sore last night and it wasn’t any better today. I don’t want to take any credit away from Tomas for this victory. He deserves it. But, honestly, I don’t really know what to think about this match. I don’t even know how I managed to win the second set 6-0. I don’t see any explanation. I want to forget all that and turn to Roland-Garros,” he reacted briefly.
“I don’t take any pleasure”
“When I arrived here, I was hoping to play more than just one match. I played three, which is positive. But the priority here is for me to feel better. I don’t take any pleasure, it’s just suffering on the court. In these conditions, it is impossible for me to concentrate on my tennis,” announced the Serb, losing motivation.
“Of course I’m worried,” he added. “I haven’t played well at all this season. Just a few bits of matches here and there. But you have to know how to accept it. I don’t consider myself a favorite at Roland Garros. I’m just going to see how far I can go. » In the first round, he will face Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in a match that could already be important for him.