Djokovic Faces Tough Test At Roland Garros

By Eppe Franklyne

Novak Djokovic heads into this year’s Roland Garros with growing questions surrounding his fitness and form as he approaches his 39th birthday. The Serbian legend remains one of the greatest players in tennis history, but time and physical setbacks are beginning to test his ability to compete at the very highest level.

The Novak Djokovic Roland Garros challenge has become more complicated after a difficult build-up to the tournament. Djokovic has competed in only three events this year and suffered a defeat to Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic at the Italian Open earlier this month.

Injuries have also disrupted his preparations. Djokovic withdrew from tournaments in Miami, Monte Carlo and Madrid while recovering from a shoulder problem. He admitted that arriving in Paris without a smooth preparation is becoming a regular experience.

“It’s not an ideal preparation, to be honest,” Djokovic said. “There’s always something. Kind of a new reality that I have to deal with.”

Despite the concerns, the Novak Djokovic Roland Garros story remains impossible to ignore. Djokovic has won the French Open three times and has consistently reached the latter stages of the tournament since 2009. The absence of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz could also improve his chances in Paris.

Djokovic openly admitted he can feel the physical decline that comes with age. “I see what I’m missing,” he said. “Late half a step.”

Still, the former world number one continues to prove doubters wrong. Earlier this season, he defeated world number one Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open with one of his strongest displays in years.

Can Djokovic overcome age and injuries to win another Grand Slam title?