Alex Corretja ‘not worried about’ Novak Djokovic’s form, believes ‘he is saving energy for’ busy summer

Novak Djokovic hasn’t won any of the five tournaments he has played so far in 2024 and he is yet to make an appearance in the final. However, the 24 Grand Slam winner has got a breakthrough at the Geneva Open 2024 ahead of his French Open title defence. Djokovic registered a comprehensive victory over Yannick Hanfmann in the last-16.

The Serbian looked to regain his rhythm as his title defence at Roland-Garros fast approached. He found it at the perfect time on the special day of his 37th birthday (May 22). He defeated Germany’s Hanfmann 6-3 6-3 and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Geneva Open.

Meanwhile, former Spanish tennis player Alex Corretja believes that Djokovic is saving his energy for the upcoming major Grand Slam events like Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, Olympics and the US Open. Corretja’s remark came ahead of Djokovic’s birthday clash against Hanfmann.

"It seems to me that Novak is saving energy for the summer time for Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, Olympics, the US Open. I think he knows that it's going to be a very busy time and he's been just hanging in there, observing his body, you know, his mind,” Corretja said.

“Definitely he needs a good first week to get in shape again, to get some rhythm, to get some feeling with the ball and to spend a little bit of time to suffer one of those matches where maybe he doesn't feel great, but he needs to get through and get that confidence back."

He knows how to deal in the slams: Corretja backs Djokovic to have an effective outing in Paris 

Djokovic had a tremendous 2023 season, which he concluded with successive victories at the Cincinnati Masters, US Open Paris Masters and the ATP World Tour Finals. But since then, he has not tasted any success. However, Corretja hopes the World No. 1 will return to his usual form in Paris.

“I'm counting on Novak. Of course he knows how to deal in the slams. He's the defending champion. He loves to play there on that Philippe Chatrier. So, I'm not worried about his form,” Corretja said.

"I'm more just interested to see how he's going to deal with the whole situation once he doesn't feel as great as he wished, but I have no doubt that he's going to be good.”

“If he's able to play like two or three matches, he will get to Roland Garros in a good shape, and definitely with his confidence back,” he concluded.