Andy Roddick has shared his concerns regarding Novak Djokovic’s current form ahead of Roland Garros.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is a clear favourite for many of the Grand Slams he has entered throughout his illustrious career.
But while he is still a significant threat and a top contender to defend his title in Paris, his recent results suggest his crown may be in jeopardy.
The 36-year-old has yet to win a title this season and has played just six matches on the dirt in 2024, his lowest number since 2006.
This has led many to speculate on how he may perform at the French Open, including former World Number One, Roddick.
Andy Roddick is worried about Novak Djokovic’s current level of play
Roddick knows what it is like to not only watch Djokovic and analyse his game, but also play against him. The American is one of few players to have a winning head-to-head record against the World Number One, after winning five of their nine meetings.
Roddick has known Djokovic for many years both as a player and now analyst, but he is seeing a level of play from the tennis icon that has not been witnessed for a long time.
“There are two things: one, he could figure it out,” Roddick shared on his ‘Served’ Podcast. “The good thing about Slams is you are not playing guys that are 25 in the world first round, you have time and can get through some ugly matches.
“So maybe he gets through the first week and turns into Novak again. But I am more concerned about his tennis game than I have been in 15 years.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he played well at Roland Garros, but how long can we say ‘he will turn it around, he’s fine, he’s Novak’? I’ve been saying that the entire year.”
What was Novak Djokovic’s last result?
Djokovic suffered one of the worst losses of his career in the third round of the Italian Open. He succumbed 6-2, 6-3 to Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo and his performance was far below the lofty standards he has set.
This result came two days after water bottle slipped from a fan’s bag and hit him on the head while signing autographs after beating Corentin Moutet.
Djokovic expressed his disappointment with his display following his early Rome exit. This marked the first time he failed to reach the quarter-final stage at the Foro Italico.
His assessment was echoed by Roddick, who was left confused by what the reigning French and US Open champion produced in Italy.
“This one [in Rome] was weird,” the 2003 US Open champion said. “You have the ramp up, you look at the French Open, Wimbledon, he has said he is prioritising the Olympics. You felt like the ramp up was coming and that wasn’t a ramp up.”
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