Twenty-four time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is yet to win a tour title in 2024, the 36-year-old having featured in only three tournaments so far this year; watch Djokovic face Corentin Moutet at the Italian Open from 6pm Friday, live on Sky Sports Tennis
Novak Djokovic says he is yet to find his highest level as he prepares for his opening match of the Italian Open on Friday, live on Sky Sports.
The men’s world No 1 has played in only three tournaments so far in 2024, losing in the semi-finals of both the opening Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open, and on the clay at the Monte-Carlo Masters last month.
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The Italian Open represents Djokovic’s final tune-up ahead of his title defence at the French Open, where the 36-year-old is hoping “to arrive ready to fight for a title”, with further Slam opportunities at Wimbledon and the US Open, as well as the Olympics, lying in wait this summer.
“Obviously the block of Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, Olympics and US Open is the most important of the year for me. That’s the priority and what I’m setting my form for.
“Hopefully I can find that desired level of tennis this week; Roland-Garros is definitely where I want to arrive ready to fight for a title.”
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Since the Australian Open in January, Djokovic has played only six matches in the subsequent three and a half months, which included suffering a shock third-round exit to qualifying lucky loser Luca Nardi at Indian Wells in March.
The Serb isn’t worried about the possibility of being undercooked, however, going into his opening match against Corentin Moutet in Rome – live on Sky Sports Tennis from 6pm, Friday.
“It maybe takes a little bit more time to find that desired level because you’re lacking that competitive match play,” he added.
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“But it’s a conscious decision I’m making [to play less]. I’m almost 37 and I want to spend more time with the family, and I want to pick and choose a little bit more from this season onwards – where I want to play, where I enjoy playing and where it suits my schedule so I can set my form for the biggest tournaments in the sport.”
