Novak Djokovic is back on the ATP Tour for the first time since mid-March as he competes in the Italian Open.
Djokovic last played a competitive match at Indian Wells, where the Serbian fell in the round of 16 to Jack Draper.
The veteran is now set to make his first appearance on clay in 2026, starting against either Marton Fucsovics or Dino Prizmic.
Djokovic will be using the ATP Masters 1000 tournament as preparation for the French Open, which returns later this month.
His timely return to the court has now been discussed by former players Sam Querrey and Tracy Austin.
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?
Tracy Austin praises very rare Novak Djokovic talent
Stating what Djokovic needs to get himself ready for a lengthy run at Roland Garros, Querrey said on Tennis Channel: “Nothing.
“This has kind of been the storyline for Novak the last two years. He’s taken these large chunks of time off, even before Australia this year, going back to the end of last year.
“Didn’t play, didn’t play, didn’t play a warm-up to Australia, and then what did he do? He made the final.
“So I think for Novak, he’s probably the one player that it doesn’t matter that he doesn’t have a lot of matches coming into this event, I think he’s going to be just fine.”
Replying to those comments, WTA legend Austin said: “Yeah, there have been a few players in history, very few, I think Roger Federer was one, I think Serena [Williams] was one.
“And then I think Novak, for me, just at the top of my head, it’s amazing. Has won so many titles. What is he at 101 titles?
“So to take that much time off, you think maybe he’s going to feel a little bit rusty, but he’s won here six times. He’s won Roland Garros three times.
“I think everybody’s just really excited to have Novak, back in the mix, and now that Carlos [Alcaraz] is not there, what could happen?”
Who will retire with more Grand Slam titles – Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic?
Let us know why in the comments!
Tracy Austin suggests lengthy Italian Open run for Novak Djokovic
Alcaraz is indeed out of both Rome and Roland Garros with a wrist injury, having competed in the most recent Grand Slam final with Djokovic.
The two ATP icons battled it out for the trophy at the Australian Open earlier this year, where the Spaniard defeated the Serbian 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.
It represents one of only nine matches from Djokovic in the 2026 season, from which he boasts an impressive 7-2 record.
He’ll now be seeking to extend that record in Rome, where he is projected to meet Ugo Humbert and Karen Khachanov in rounds three and four respectively, after his potential opener with Fucsovics.
Discussing those possible early match-ups, Austin said: “These matches are important that he doesn’t have somebody really dangerous. You don’t think you see anybody really kind of that can come out of their socks.
“Because even though you haven’t played in six weeks, Novak hasn’t played since Indian Wells, where he lost to Jack Draper, he’s only played two tournaments all year, this is a tournament it seems like he can work his way in.
“And even if you’ve won it that many times, I think with each match he’s going to feel more comfortable.”
Querrey added: “He’s on the opposite side of Sinner. I think that was the big question mark when the draw comes out, which side are you going to be on, right?
“Can he get to the final without having to face Sinner. Yes, he can. And now having said that, there’s some great players – [Lorenzo] Musetti, Khachanov, [Alexander] Zverev – there’s some guys he’s going to have to get through if he’s going to make the final.
“But if he can get to a quarter or a semi, get some matches under his belt, I think he’s going to feel good going into Roland Garros.
“Because that’s the tournament that’s highlighted for him, right? Rome is a big event, but it’s Roland Garros where he really wants to play.”
The French Open is undoubtedly what Djokovic will be setting his sights on, particularly after his near miss in Melbourne.
Already leading the men’s all-time Grand Slam titles list with 24, he needs just one more major success to surpass women’s legend Margaret Court.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
