Greg Rusedski backs Novak Djokovic to return to his best for French Open
Novak Djokovic may be struggling at the moment, but Greg Rusedski sees no reason why he can’t be back to his best by the French Open.
The former world No 1 has battled to find form since returning to action after a “small medical intervention” on his elbow.
He first lost his opening match against Taro Daniel at the Indian Wells and then suffered a similar fate against Benoit Paire at the Miami Open last week.
Outside of the Sunshine Double he only competed at the Australian Open, which was his first tournament since the Wimbledon quarter-final, as he opted to sit out the remainder of the 2017 campaign due to his elbow injury.
“I am not really concerned about Djokovic,” Rusedski told Sky Sports. “I think he will be back once he feels fit again and is mentally there and gets the matches in.
“The question mark is how well the elbow is after the surgery. That was one thing he had to get done and he has but it is just a matter of time, being back in match situations and finding a way to get the job done.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see the old Djokovic back [to his best] possibly before the French Open or for Wimbledon.
“You don’t just lose it, being such a great player. It’s mental but it is also physiological because at times it looks like he is getting tired when historically we have never seen him look fatigued.
“But when you have been away from the game it does take that little longer. We are not all Roger Federer!”
Djokovic admitted after his Miami Open defeat that the plan was to compete at the Monte Carlo Masters next, but he also revealed that he might tweak his schedule adding “let’s see what happens”.
Rusedski, though, says the 12-time Grand Slam winner needs more matches under his belt.
“He needs as many matches as he can get. If I was Novak, along with Radek Stepanek and Andre Agassi I would get him to play every single week,” he said.
“It is not about getting his preparation to be perfect for the French Open, because that is not what he is looking for.
“He is aiming to get confidence and match wins so you have just got to put yourself in that situation week in week out as long as the elbow can take it.
“If the elbow can take it then play as many tournaments leading up to the French because it will help to get his rhythm, feel and confidence back.
“You can practice all you want and be brilliant in practice but match play is totally different.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic 3.0: Tennis great’s latest re-invention already underway with ruthless coaching move
The innovation doesn’t stop with Novak Djokovic.