Novak Djokovic will play again before the French Open and Jim Courier is delighted.
Since the European clay court season commenced, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has played just two matches.
Djokovic lost his opening matches in Monte Carlo and Madrid, and chose to skip the Italian Open.
But with Roland Garros on the horizon, Djokovic has stepped up his preparations as he goes in pursuit of a record 25th major title.
Jim Courier reacts to Novak Djokovic playing at the Geneva Open
After Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Italian Open, there were no plans for him to play again before entering the French Open.
The 37-year-old knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the French Open having won the tournament three times and winning the Olympic gold medal at the same venue in 2024.
But as he gets older, playing himself into peak match condition before a Grand Slam is imperative for Djokovic.
It seems like he understands this as it emerged on Friday that Djokovic has accepted a wildcard to play in the Geneva Open, a decision that Jim Courier welcomes.
“It’s great news. It’s great news for tennis and it’s great news for Novak that he is going to get at least one match in,” Courier told Tennis Channel Live.
“Remember last year he got hit by the bottle in Rome and lost early. Then he went to Geneva and played there until the semi-finals. Lost to Machac and I’d say he put in less than his best effort in that match, because he had one eye on Paris.
“I would expect the same. If he gets two or three matches out of this tournament, that’s perfect. That’s all he needs for a little momentum.”
Jim Courier explains why it is good for Novak Djokovic to play in Geneva before the French Open
Djokovic is set to make his second successive appearance at the Geneva Open after reaching the semi-finals in 2024.
He is keen to play some more matches before Roland Garros after playing just two matches on clay since the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Djokovic will aim to rediscover his best form in Geneva and Courier further explained why this is a good move for the World number six.
“I just think if he’s healthy and if he goes there and if he does would that be cause for concern? I would be more concerned if he didn’t play to be honest,” Courier added.
“I think playing is good for him. Get out there, get going, get some momentum. Him not playing Rome was a big head scratcher and a big concern and I think this now starts to make a little more sense.
“Maybe it was time to go back and regroup and reset and then re-fire for Paris, using Geneva as a trampoline.”
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