Novak Djokovic takes wildcard for Geneva Open to regain kind earlier than French Open

Novak Djokovic is making a late change to his French Open preparations. The Serbian tennis star has accepted a wildcard entry into the 2025 Geneva Open, hoping to get again in kind earlier than heading to Roland Garros. The ATP 250 occasion in Switzerland is scheduled to be held from 18 to 24 Could.

Djokovic, who’s aiming for a record-breaking twenty fifth Grand Slam title in Paris, had earlier pulled out of the Italian Open in Rome with out giving a motive. The Rome Masters is normally a key match within the lead-up to the French Open, however Djokovic’s absence raised questions on his health and readiness.

Djokovic has performed the Geneva Open earlier than. In 2024, he reached the semifinals however misplaced to Tomas Machac. That yr, Casper Ruud finally went on to win the title by defeating Machac. Apparently, Ruud is again within the draw this yr, together with prime names like Taylor Fritz and Grigor Dimitrov.

A troublesome season for Djokovic to date

The 37-year-old has had a quiet season to date. He’s presently ranked World No. 6 and holds a 12-7 win-loss file for the yr. He hasn’t gained a single title because the 2024 Paris Olympics. Djokovic’s clay-court kind has additionally been beneath par, which can have prompted him to get in some further match observe in Geneva.

Djokovic suffered early exits from his final two clay-court occasions in Monte Carlo and Madrid final month.

“I hoped I can play another match than I performed in Monte Carlo. Form of new actuality for me, I’ve to say. You understand, making an attempt to win a match or two, not likely eager about getting far within the match,” Djokovic stated after his defeat to Matteo Arnaldi in Madrid.

“It’s a totally totally different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years {of professional} tennis, so it’s type of a problem for me mentally to actually face these type of sensations on the courtroom, going out early now repeatedly within the tournaments. However, you realize, that’s, I assume, the circle of life and the profession (smiling), finally it was going to occur,” he added.

With only a week left earlier than the French Open, Djokovic is hoping that a number of wins in Geneva will assist him acquire rhythm and confidence. He’s additionally chasing his a hundredth profession ATP title, and Geneva may simply be the right place to get again to successful methods for the Serbian star.