Djokovic on his decision to play in Geneva: "I need more matches".

© AFP

Elio Valotto

le 22/05/2024 à 16h54

1 min to read

Djokovic Genève Hanfmann Monte-Carlo Murray

Novak Djokovic has surprised everyone. Author of a very disappointing 2024 season (no final and only two semi-finals, at the Australian Open and in Monte-Carlo), the world number 1 made the choice to line up in Geneva this week. Accustomed to concentrating on his preparation in the week leading up to the Grand Slams, this time the Serb will be playing in competition.

A last-minute guest in Switzerland, 'Nole' will make his tournament debut this Wednesday (not before 6pm). Exempted from the first round, he starts directly in the Round of 16, against Yannick Hanfmann, who deprived the Geneva public of a reunion between Djokovic and Murray.

Speaking at the press conference, the 'Djoker' spoke of his decision to take part in the ATP 250 in Geneva: "I feel that at the moment, there's no better training for me than matches. I need more matches, even if it's one match, two matches, hopefully three or four. It's good for me to play because it's a way of finding the form I need for Roland Garros.

I'd like to thank the tournament and the organization. Everyone has made me feel very welcome, people are very nice, and lots of kids come to watch the matches. It's a beautiful environment to play tennis, there's positive energy, good weather even if I know the rain is coming (smile)."