Tim Henman delivers Novak Djokovic verdict ahead of Serb’s French Open title defence

Ewan West 28 May 2024 11:04 AM

Novak Djokovic and Tim Henman

Tim Henman is not worried by Novak Djokovic’s form in 2024 and thinks we will see “a totally different” version of the tennis great at the French Open.

The former world No 4 asserted he does not “buy into any of the stats coming into this tournament” about Djokovic and feels the Serbian is “still one of the favourites” to win Roland Garros.

Djokovic remains the ATP world No 1 due to the points earned for his achievements in an amazing 2023 season, but he is yet to hit the same heights this year. The 37-year-old has not reached a final since winning the ATP Finals in November and holds a 14-6 record in 2024.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion compiled a 6-3 record from the three clay-court events he played in Monte Carlo, Rome and Geneva prior to the French Open.

Djokovic is the defending champion at Roland Garros, where he will face Pierre-Hugues Herbert in his opening round match today. The Serbian is seeking a fourth title at the Paris Major.

Henman, a six-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, played down concerns over Djokovic heading into the second Major of the season.

“This is a classic case of form is temporary, class is permanent,” Henman told Eurosport. “With his experience, Djokovic doesn’t need to worry about what’s gone on in the last four or five months, he can just focus on his first round match.

“This can click for him in the space of a couple of sets. He loves the challenge of dealing with adversity, when he’s the enemy with the crowd against him. That’s when his focus, his concentration, is even greater.

“I don’t buy into any of the stats coming into this tournament. He knows what it takes better than anyone to win Grand Slams and if he can get through the first couple of matches, he’s still one of the favourites.

“At this stage of his career with what he’s achieved it’s about the Slams. Yes, there are all these other events, there are some big tournaments, but it’s just about him keeping things ticking over.

“He has the experience. Even though he hasn’t played well this year, I don’t sense any panic. He knows what he has to do, he’s going to be super focused to come out tomorrow and really execute the game plan.

“There are times when he has been distracted on court this year, but I think we’ll see a totally different Novak Djokovic and I wouldn’t be surprised if he really starts to build momentum early in this tournament.”

Alex Corretja, a two-time French Open runner-up, also backed Djokovic to raise his level in Paris and revealed he expects the 37-year-old to at least reach the last four.

“I’m not concerned about his form honestly, because when you are saving energy and focused on the next event, you don’t need to worry. He’s been pretty much doing what he wanted,” said the former world No 2.

“I don’t see Novak suffering or fighting the same when he’s playing important tournaments like Masters 1000s. But now, when he gets into Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the Olympics, the US Open, he knows he has to give everything.

“That’s why for sure his form might go in crescendo in this tournament. He might need some suffering at some point, and he will be ready.

“I believe we are going to see a good version of Novak. I would be very surprised if Novak doesn’t reach at least the semi-finals.”