Novak: I'll take it day by day
Defending champion and 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic spoke to the press today after his late arrival from Geneva where he lost in the semi-finals to Czech Tomas Machac on Friday.
Having not reached a final so far in 2024, the world No.1 and top seed comes to Paris with question marks surrounding his recent form. The Serb told journalists he hopes the experience gained in winning so many big titles will help him over the next 15 days.
“I would say that I know what I'm capable of, and particularly in the Grand Slams I normally play the best tennis, at least I aim always to play the best tennis, and I was most of my career able to do that, so that's the goal,” said Djokovic, who plays French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert in his first match.
“I have been saying, you know, for quite a while that in terms of clay I want to peak here in Paris, in Roland Garros. Last year I had an amazing year, and particularly here in Roland Garros, and hopefully I can have a great tournament.
“My hopes and goals are always the same, but I have to lower the expectations. When I say that I mean, you know, maybe not thinking too much ahead in advance in terms of the tournament and who I might face in the later rounds, but really taking it day by day, step by step, and really building my game.
“Because that's what I have really been struggling with, not really playing in a consistently good level.”