French Open odds against Novak Djokovic as time runs out for record 25th grand slam
As he struggles for form, the 38-year-old’s bid to go past Margaret Court on the all-time winners’ list looks increasingly unlikely
If there is one tennis player who knows how to beat the odds when they are stacked against him, it is 24-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic.
The 38-year-old Serbian’s bid for a fourth French Open crown looks more unlikely than in many years, with Djokovic struggling for form since his run to the Australian Open semi-finals back in January before retiring injured.
Since then Djokovic, who has 99 tour titles to his name and is in the twilight of a glorious career, has reached only one final and has not lifted a trophy this year.
After two early losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid, it was clear that Djokovic’s attempt to claim a record-breaking 25th grand slam could be his hardest yet.
“[It is] kind of a new reality for me, I have to say, trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament,” Djokovic said after his early Madrid exit to Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi.
He was expected to jump-start his clay campaign in Rome before returning to Paris, where he won Olympic gold last year, but he skipped the Italian Open without giving a reason.