Novak Djokovic is going to be 36 in about a week’s time. At this age, winning tennis tournaments should not be easy, if at all possible. However, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, along with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, has often revised the norms that used to prevail in the tennis world in recent times.
He will start his title defense at the Italian Open against Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina on Friday. The great Serb has won the title in Rome five times and it must rank among his favorite tournaments overall. However, young guns likes Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holder Rune stand between him and a sixth title.
Novak Djokovic peaking for Roland Garros in Rome:
The Italian Open is the last tournament before the French Open, and Djokovic has often peaked for the Grand Slam in Rome itself. Needless to say, his title count on clay courts would have been significantly higher if it were not for Nadal. Also, Djokovic is known to play better as the clay court season progresses. Hence, his record in Rome is much better than either in Madrid or in Monte Carlo.
Djokovic has played some unforgettable matches with the Spaniard both in Rome and in Paris. He will not get the opportunity at the Italian Open this year, as Nadal has withdrawn from the tournament and remains doubtful for the French Open, too.
This gives the Serb a great opportunity to win his 23rd Grand Slam in Paris, However, he will have to play him into form in Rome and start winning matches on clay before that.
Djokovic’s form has not been great of late:
Djokovic has not been in great form of late. Forced to withdraw from the Sunshine Double in the United States owing to vaccination rules, the Serb was eliminated early in both the tournaments on clay he has appeared in this season. Hence, he should be cautious against Etcheverry to prevent an early slip-up.
While Lorenzo Musetti beat him in Monte Carlo, Dusan Lajovic got the better of him at the Srpska Open. He is still the World No.1, but Alcaraz has been making rapid strides and might start as the favorite against the Serb should they happen to collide in Rome.
Djokovic has the dangerous Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner in his half of the draw and might face some difficulties in reaching the final. However, given the Serb’s clinical and relatively error-free game and great track-record, he will definitely start as one of the two favorites to win the tournament along with Alcaraz.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
