Djokovic's Roland Garros mindset: 'Low expectations & high hopes'

Novak Djokovic has struggled by his lofty standards this season. The World No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings enters Roland Garros without a title in 2024 and a 14-6 record, but still enters the clay-court major as one of the tournament favourites.

“Low expectations and high hopes,” the Serbian said Sunday at his pre-tournament press conference, cracking a smile.

What exactly are those expectations for the 37-year-old? “Low” is relative.

“I almost feel a bit embarrassed to say what my expectations are. Anything but a title for me is not satisfactory, so it always has been like that. I know it might sound arrogant to a lot of people, but I think I have the career that backs it up,” Djokovic said. “In a way, me playing still at this highest level, one of the major reasons is trying to write more history of the sport and win the biggest titles. Paris is definitely one of them.

“So that's why my hopes and goals are always the same, but I have to lower the expectations. When I say that I mean, 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.”

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Djokovic admitted that his difficult start to the season has affected him. The top seed is used to competing at the end of tournaments and battling for the trophy nearly every time he competes. Now he is locked in a battle with Jannik Sinner for No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings.

“That's why I have a kind of an approach that is focused on a daily basis more trying to build the form and momentum,” Djokovic said. “So that I can have a better chance to reach further in the tournament.”

Despite his slow start to 2024, the Serbian can rely on his experience at Roland Garros. He is a 24-time major champion and has claimed the Coupe des Mousquetaires three times.

“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,” Djokovic said. “I have been saying 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.”

The defending champion has been in difficult positions before. In 2018 he famously underwent elbow surgery before rallying to finish the year at World No. 1. Djokovic has always overcome such obstacles.

“They are rather bumps on the road. I have always looked ahead, what is the next challenge, and what it takes for me to be better than I was last week. So that's the kind of a mindset that I keep nurturing and keep having. So it probably won't stop until I stop playing professional tennis,” Djokovic said. “That's the only way I know how to conduct myself as a professional tennis player and also compete at the highest level.”

For now, the 98-time tour-level titlist is fully focused on what is in front of him — his first-round match at Roland Garros.

He said: “I know exactly what I need to do in a Grand Slam environment or Grand Slam competition.”