Novak Djokovic Says He Has ‘Low Expectations’ and ‘High Hopes’ at 2024 French Open

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVMay 26, 2024

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Novak Djokovic is a three-time French Open champion and enters this year’s tournament as the reigning winner, but he doesn’t seem to be expecting another title.

“Low expectations, high hopes,” he told reporters Sunday when asked what his overall mindset is for the 2024 edition of the Grand Slam.

Djokovic defeated Casper Ruud in last year’s final and also won in 2021 and 2016. However, the 37-year-old has yet to win a tournament or even advance past a semifinal this year, so he is not exactly arriving in the best form.

There was also an incident at the Italian Open earlier this month where he was struck in the head by a fan’s metal water bottle in an accidental development. He lost an ensuing match to Alejandro Tabilo and was tested for a concussion.

Despite some inconsistency and overall question marks this year, he is still the No. 1 seed in the men’s singles draw. He also might not have to worry about French Open legend Rafael Nadal considering the 14-time champion is unseeded and faces fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev in the first round.

He may not be particularly confident, but the record-holder with 24 Grand Slam men’s singles titles often plays his best tennis under the brightest lights.

And the lights will be plenty bright for Djokovic when he takes the court for this year’s French Open.