Novak Djokovic Faces New Realities at French Open
- May 20, 2026 | 13:33
Novak Djokovic is heading to the French Open with the sole aim of winning his record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, but a challenging 2026 season has reduced his chances, according to Reuters.
Djokovic, 38, has been playing sparingly since his loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final in February. The Serbian player is battling the physical toll of the season and a minor shoulder issue. His early exit in the Rome Masters this month and the decision to skip the Geneva event have left him with limited preparation on clay courts before the second Grand Slam of the year, which begins this week.
“The situation is not ideal. I can’t remember a time in recent years when I’ve had a preparation without any physical or health problems. There’s always something. It’s a new reality I have to deal with. It’s disappointing, but at the same time, the decision to continue in this condition is mine. It is what it is,” Djokovic stated.
The 39-year-old will face physical challenges, but writing him off would be premature. He overcame a knee injury that required surgery to defeat Alcaraz and win an Olympic gold medal in Paris just two years ago, demonstrating the resilience that has defined his illustrious career.
Psychological toughness alone is no guarantee of success at this level, and Djokovic acknowledges what he is missing in his game.
“I am certainly not where I want to be and where I need to be to compete at the highest level and go far,” he added, following his second-round exit in Rome.
Despite last year’s champion Alcaraz being out due to an ankle injury, the top-ranked player Jannik Sinner emerges as a significant obstacle if Djokovic can rediscover his form in time for the French Open.
“In the end, you have to play, you have to start somewhere. I wanted to start earlier, but I couldn’t. You just adapt and make the most of it. I train as much as my body allows, and how it translates on the court is really unpredictable,” Djokovic concluded.
Djokovic has been through so much, yet he still fights like a champ. But can this old warhorse really make a comeback in Paris? Let me know your thoughts!