French Open 2024: Novak Djokovic aims to overcome ‘bumps on road’ as he opens title defence against Pierre-Hugues Herbert
- The world No 1, who is seeking his fourth Roland Garros title and record-extending 25th major, is on his worst run since 2018
- The Serbian, 37, has yet to make a tournament final in 2024 and was accidentally hit on the head by a metal water bottle in Rome
Novak Djokovic begins the defence of his French Open title on Tuesday, confident his grand slam pedigree will help overcome his lacklustre season.
The world No 1, seeking a fourth Roland Garros title and record-extending 25th major, is enduring his worst run since 2018.
Djokovic, 37, has not won a title in 2024 and has yet to make a final. Semi-final spots at the Australian Open and Monte Carlo Masters remain his best performances.
He also suffered the indignity of being accidentally hit on the head by a metal water bottle in Rome, causing nausea and dizziness.
In Geneva last week, when he was knocked out by Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic, Djokovic said he had been suffering from a stomach problem.
“I wouldn’t call them holes. They are rather bumps on the road,” said Djokovic, who watched his long-time rival and 14-time champion Rafael Nadal bow out of the tournament against Alexander Zverev on Monday.
