Earlier than this yr’s Australian Open, it was felt Djokovic was more likely to carry his dominant 2023 into the brand new season.
The 37-year-old Serb reached the semi-finals in Melbourne however was nowhere close to his lofty ranges all through.
Since dropping to eventual champion Jannik Sinner, it has been a turbulent few months within the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s profession.
Coach Goran Ivanisevic and health coach Marco Panichi, long-standing members of Djokovic’s workforce, left after the world primary’s early exit at Indian Wells.
Djokovic reached the semi-finals in Monte Carlo at first of the clay-court swing, dropping to final yr’s overwhelmed Roland Garros finalist Casper Ruud, however the uncertainty surrounding him got here to the fore once more on the Italian Open.
Djokovic was by chance hit on the pinnacle by a metallic water bottle after his opening win and felt hampered by the after-effects in a shock loss to Alejandro Tabilo two days later.
Docs in Serbia later stated Djokovic confirmed indicators of concussion and, after a semi-final defeat in Geneva on Friday, will probably be intriguing to see what type the highest seed is in.
“After all I am nervous. I have not been taking part in good in any respect this yr,” stated Djokovic.
“I do not contemplate myself a favorite at Roland Garros.”
Djokovic shouldn’t be the one prime males’s participant with questions on his type. Neither Italy’s Sinner nor Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz have performed not too long ago due to accidents.
However Germany’s Zverev received the Rome title, whereas two-time finalist Ruud is more likely to be a contender. He warmed up for the event with victory over Tomas Machac within the ultimate of the Geneva Open on Saturday.