Djokovic: Nadal’s withdrawal made me wonder when it’s my turn

The Serbian tennis player, who became champion in 2016 and 2021, wanted to avoid extra pressure before starting the title race in Paris and the 23rd Grand Slam of her record. A goal for which he continues to play tennis. “It’s no secret that I’m stealing to break the record, but it’s also a fact that I don’t have the body of 10 years ago,” he explained. DjokovicTurning 36 years old on May 22.

For the first time since his 2005 debut, when he fell on the first tour of that year nadal He won his first Roland Garros, Djokovic He will not face Nadal or Federer and Roland Garros facilities, where he fought hard and shared most of the Grand Slams. The Swiss retired last year and Nadal gave up defending his title due to a hip injury.

“When Nadal announced that he will retire next year, I was shocked because a part of me goes with him. It made me wonder when it would be my turn. I was touched when I heard his words. He motivated me the most to get better in the race to win more,” stressed Djokovic.

the loneliness of a veteran

But the former number 1 assured “I won’t miss Nadal” at Roland Garros: “I haven’t had much success with him on these circuits. It’s hard to beat Nadal anywhere, but more so in Paris.”

Djokovic He will not rival Nadal, but it will not be easy without the Spaniard. The Serbian will be the sole champion with Stan wawrinka (2015) will be very lonely in front of a new generation hungry for victory, playing in the tournament and defending their Big Three pavilion. “Alcaraz and Rune are young but already very mature.He emphasized, not forgetting them as favorites. “Tstsipas, Sinner and Ruud“, but without including in their estimates Medvedev which took the second world rank with the title of Roma.

extra motivation

for the first time since 2012 Djokovic arrived in Paris without winning any championships on dirt and with five wins in just eight games. “I haven’t had much success on the dirt floor this season, but I always feel extra motivation at the Grand Slam. It’s great to be here. At this point in my career, it’s a gift for me. I’ll try to seize this opportunity.”

Djokovic fell on the top of the picture next to it alcaraz, where he will face off in a hypothetical semi-final, but avoid talking about that confrontation. “It would be disrespectful to players who could touch me before,” he said. For now, on Monday, he will debut against the Americans. Alexander Kovacevic (114 worlds).

Alcaraz rival Cobolli

WITHlcaraz He will face Italian Flavio Cobolli, who is 21 years old like a Murcian tennis player, but is 158 places down in the world ranking, in his first match. Cobolli has been professional since 2020 and won his first title in Zagreb last year.

The Murcian tennis player trained this Saturday at second center Suzanne Lenglen with Tsitsipas, who will debut this Sunday. Alcaraz’s presence filled the runway with a capacity of 10,000. World No. 1 was signing more than 10 minutes at the end of Djokovic’s practice session, on a day dedicated to children by Roland Garros.

Homage to Yannick Noah

A special day this year is honored Yannick Noah, The last French champion to win the championship in Paris in 1983. The veteran French tennis player raised money for the ‘Fete Le Mur’ foundation and gave a concert with his band at the Philippe Chatrier center.