Novak Djokovic has arrived in Paris for the French Open, where he is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic narrowly missed out on that record at the Australian Open earlier this season, when he lost the final to Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz is now out of the French Open with injury, but Djokovic is in the ATP entry list for the clay-court Grand Slam, which starts later this month.
But Tim Henman has somewhat played down the Serbian’s chances of glory in Paris, suggesting he has a much better chance of winning Wimbledon instead.
How concerned are you about Novak Djokovic heading into Roland Garros?
Tim Henman discusses Novak Djokovic’s chances of French Open success
As quoted by TNT Sports, former British number one Henman said of a potential 25th Grand Slam title for Djokovic: “I don’t see it coming on clay.
“I think Djokovic no doubt has a chance at Wimbledon because the physical demands on grass are less than on clay.
“So, for me, at Djokovic’s age, for him to win seven best-of-five-set matches on clay at Roland-Garros, I find that hard to believe.
“Whereas on grass, given his pedigree, and there are fewer players that are comfortable on grass, I definitely would give him a shot at Wimbledon.”
The third Grand Slam of the season, Wimbledon returns at the very end of June, when Djokovic will be 39 years old.
Can any of these four players stop Jannik Sinner winning the French Open this year?
Is there anyone else you think could be a threat to Sinner?
Alexander Zverev enjoys French Open practice Novak Djokovic
It remains to be seen which of the two Grand Slams Djokovic will last longer at, but it’s clear that all of his current focus is on the French Open.
And he certainly has history on his side at the event with three titles, in 2016, 2021 and most recently in 2023.
He has, however, only played one match on clay this season, losing his opener at the Italian Open in Rome.
But Djokovic has wasted no time in getting to grips with the surface in France, having just practiced with fellow ATP star Alexander Zverev.
And the German clearly enjoyed their time together, having posted a video of their session on his Instagram story with the message: “Still always trying to learn from [Novak Djokovic].”
There really is no better mentor in the game right now than the Serbian veteran, who needs just one more Grand Slam title to become the all-time record holder.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
