Novak Djokovic says he feels “embarrassed” by how low his expectations are at this yr’s French Open.
The world No 1, a file 24-time Grand-Slam winner and defending champion in Paris, has endured a turbulent build-up to this yr’s event.
The 37-year-old has but to win a title all season, and even attain a remaining, and has admitted forward of his first-round match in opposition to Pierre-Hugues Herbert on Tuesday that he doesn’t need to open “Pandora’s Box” on the subject of discussing his inconsistent type.
“Low expectations and high hopes,” was Djokovic’s response when requested how he was feeling going into Roland-Garros this yr.
“It is powerful to speak about. It’s totally subjective. I virtually really feel a bit embarrassed to say what my expectations are.
“Something however a title for me isn’t passable, it is all the time been like that. I do know it’d sound boastful to lots of people, however I feel I’ve the profession that backs it up.
“It’s various things that were happening in the last couple of months, but I don’t want to get into it. I hope you understand that. It’s just I don’t want to open Pandora’s Box and talk about things.”
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Novak Djokovic was struck on the top by a bottle while he was signing autographs on the Italian Open.
Nonetheless, Djokovic has discovered a option to win slams earlier than when the percentages have seemed stacked in opposition to him, and he warned: “I know what I’m capable of.
“Significantly within the Grand Slams, I usually play one of the best tennis, not less than I goal all the time to play one of the best tennis, and I used to be for many of my profession ready to do this, so that is the aim.
“I have been saying for quite a while that, in terms of clay, I want to peak here in Paris, in Roland-Garros.
“Final yr I had an incredible yr, notably right here in Roland-Garros, and hopefully I can have an ideal event.”
Djokovic begins his bid for main title quantity 25 in opposition to French wild card Herbert on Tuesday.
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Novak Djokovic discusses his priorities going into this yr’s tournaments and the way he hopes to see a ‘wholesome’ Rafa Nadal for this summer season’s Grand Slams.
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