Djokovic: Always Believe During Grand Slam Tournaments

On the eve of Roland-Garros, coinciding with his 39th birthday, Novak Djokovic admits he has experienced "difficult moments with my body over the last six to eight months." However, when healthy, the Serbian tennis legend asserts that he "always has faith" that he can compete for Grand Slam titles.

The 24-time Grand Slam singles champion continues his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title this year in Paris, after coming close to winning the Australian Open in January. There, he stunned Jannik Sinner in the semifinals before losing to Carlos Alcaraz.

This achievement came without any warm-up tournaments — a situation Djokovic finds himself in again, having played only one match in the clay court season and lost it.

"I wanted to play more, but my body wouldn't allow it," Djokovic stated at his press conference before the tournament, which was not shortened, unlike those of other high-profile players. "I really wanted to go to Rome, to try and see how I would feel," he continued. "I was far from being ready to compete, but I still needed at least that one match — just to hear the result announced by the chair umpire and feel the nerves before potentially coming to Roland-Garros because at that moment I didn't know if I would be able to play at all."

Luckily, his body's reaction and preparation were positive over the last 10 days, so here he is, and we'll see what happens."

Djokovic is in the bottom half of the men's draw for his 22nd participation at Roland-Garros and could meet Sinner as late as the final. This is a favorable position for anyone — especially a legend — considering Alcaraz is missing the tournament due to injury.

But Djokovic says this is not something he focuses on.

"Of course, it's a big hit for the tournament — not having him," Djokovic stated. "Does it change my approach to the tournament? I don't think it changes it significantly. I've spent many hours on the court, trying to improve my game and my body and allow — physically and in terms of playing — to be ready for matches in a best-of-five sets format," he added. "We'll see. I don't know if this will be the case throughout the entire tournament, for as long as it lasts for me."

Grand Slam tournaments have always been, as I've said many times, at the top of my list of priorities, especially over the last few years. So, I always try to be at the peak of my abilities to present myself well in the Grand Slams. I can't wait to get on the court and start competing."

In the first round, Djokovic will face the powerful-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perreira.