Novak Djokovic considering radical move to boost his French Open hopes

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Novak Djokovic close-up at tennis media day
Novak Djokovic of Serbia looks on during a tennis media day

Novak Djokovic is reportedly considering making the surprise move of playing a tournament before the 2024 French Open.

There is speculation that the world No 1 has been offered a wildcard to compete at next week’s Geneva Open, an ATP 250 clay-court tournament.

Playing a tournament between the Italian Open and the French Open would represent a shift from Djokovic’s usual approach to preparing for the year’s second Grand Slam.

The tennis legend may feel a change is needed, though, given his 2024 struggles continued with a shock third round exit in Rome last week.

Djokovic fell to a convincing 2-6, 3-6 defeat to world No 32 Alejandro Tabilo in just an hour and seven minutes at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament.

This came after the Serb was struck on the head by a water bottle when signing autographs following his second round win. He underwent scans in Belgrade after leaving Rome.

The 36-year-old, who is yet to win a title this year, played only six matches across his two clay-court appearances in Monte Carlo and Rome.

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The prospect of adding an extra event to his schedule to gain more match practice ahead of Roland Garros may, therefore, appeal to Djokovic.

According to reports, the 24-time Major champion could play the Geneva Open for the first time in his career, with the tournament to take place next week.

Andy Murray and Denis Shapovalov have been awarded two of the three main draw wildcards, leaving one spot available for a late entrant.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, who is currently ranked 87th, could be another contender for the last wildcard in Geneva given he is a Swiss home favourite.

The eight seeded players in Geneva are: Casper Ruud, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Sebastian Baez, Tallon Griekspoor, Fabian Marozsan, Jack Draper and Christopher Eubanks.

Should Djokovic decide to compete, it would not be his first appearance at a tournament in Switzerland as he played the Swiss Indoors in Basel earlier in his career.

The Serbian twice faced his great rival and Swiss icon Roger Federer in the final at the ATP 500 event — winning in 2009 and losing in 2010. Djokovic last appeared in Basel in 2011.

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