Andy Roddick has offered a reason why Novak Djokovic has chosen to play in the Geneva Open.
The World Number One has played just six clay court matches in 2024 so far, his lowest number since 2006.
He suffered surprising defeats to Casper Ruud in Monte Carlo and Alejandro Tabilo in Rome as the Serbian looked far from his best, especially against the Chilean.
Furthermore, Djokovic has yet to win a title this season as the uncertainty surrounding his form heading into his French Open title defence heightens.
Andy Roddick explains Novak Djokovic’s decision to play in Geneva
One way the 36-year-old can ease doubts surrounding his game is by producing a strong Geneva Open campaign.
But choosing to play a tournament during the week leading into a Grand Slam is not usually a part of Djokovic’s schedule.
This has led Roddick to believe that the top seed needs more matches and he does not have enough confidence in his current level of play before defending a Grand Slam title.
“Novak takes a wildcard into Geneva. Do you think the tournament directors are happy they have just got Novak for free?” the American said on his ‘Served’ podcast.
“Rough draw though! Taylor Fritz has decided he hasn’t had enough tennis, Ben Shelton is playing. Casper Ruud decides he wants to play.
“If you see a top player take a wildcard into a 250 the week before a slam, they are trying to find something, in no uncertain times.”
When did Novak Djokovic last play a week before the French Open?
Djokovic usually rests and practices a week before playing at a Grand Slam, but he has done the opposite on occasion.
He last played in the week leading up to the French Open in 2021, in his native Serbia at the Belgrade Open.
Djokovic claimed the win and the following month he defeated Rafael Nadal on the way to claiming a second of his three French Open titles.
In the final he recovered from a two set deficit to claim a 6–7(6), 2–6, 6–3, 6–2, 6–4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Djokovic won three of four majors in 2021, and came agonisingly close to winning all four but was beaten by Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final.
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