Novak Djokovic confirms the reason why he is playing at Geneva and what he still wants to do in his tennis career, ‘that’s why I am here’

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Novak Djokovic is going through a difficult period in his career at the moment.

The days of the Serbian dominating the ATP Tour may now be behind him, given he has claimed just one title since the 2023 ATP Finals.

More of Djokovic’s opponents have more belief when they face him nowadays, and in 2025 the World number seven has lost three successive matches on two separate occasions.

As he continues into the light phase of his illustrious career, there are many challenges for Djokovic to navigate, but he is facing them head-on.

Novak Djokovic explains why he is playing at the Geneva Open

Since the 2025 clay court season commenced, Novak Djokovic has played just two matches and has yet to secure a victory.

He lost to Alejandro Tabilo in Monte Carlo before suffering a 3-6, 4-6 defeat to Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in Madrid.

Given his lack of matches on clay ahead of the French Open, Djokovic accepted a wildcard into the Geneva Open in the week leading up to the Grand Slam to further boost his preparation for the event.

“I mean a different chapter of my life that I am trying to navigate myself through,” the 24-time major winner told reporters in Geneva.

“Yes, I am not particularly used to having this kind of circumstance where I would lose consecutive matches in tournament first rounds, I don’t think it has ever happened to me in the last 20 years.

“I am playing the Geneva tournament because I am trying to do well, win more trophies and build my form for Roland Garros and perform at the desired, necessary level in order to go far in the tournament and challenge the best players in the world.”

Novak Djokovic outlines what he still wants to achieve in tennis

At the age of 37, Djokovic is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning.

The former World number one has played for over two decades and many of those who he played against at the peak of his career are no longer on tour.

Djokovic has won every big title in the sport and he could be forgiven if he struggled to find motivation to keep competing. But the fire inside Djokovic still burns bright and he is determined to win tennis’ top honours once again.

“While I am still active and in the midst of my career it is kind of hard for me to sit down and reflect on everything I have achieved,” he said.

“But, of course, I am very pleased and proud of my entire career but I still have the desire to reach the greatest heights and to win slams and to be one of the best players in the world.

“The motivation is still there, it’s just that obviously in this transitional period I have to understand my body and circumstances and what needs to be done in order to preserve good health and well-being, but also being in optimal state in the tournaments where I want to perform my best tennis, which are obviously slams.

“These are the priorities. But wherever I am competing I want to do well. But slams are the peak of our sport and tournaments where I want to be at my best abilities.”