Novak Djokovic is aware of the fact that this could be his best chance at winning the elusive Roland Garros title he has been chasing for years and the world No 1 is certainly not shying away from it.
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In 2013, Djokovic received Rafael Nadal in his half of the draw. Ahead of his pre-tournament press conference, a member of his team entered the interview room and warned the members of the media not to ask Djokovic about his draw and that he didn’t want to know who landed on his side – a sign that he felt nervous and under pressure.
This year the Serb, who celebrated his 28th birthday on Friday with a cake presented to him after his press conference, was more than willing to discuss the fact that Nadal – a player who has denied him six times at Roland Garros – is a potential quarter-final opponent for him.
Potential men’s QF match-ups: #1 Djokovic-#6 Nadal; #3 Murray – #7 Ferrer // #5 Nishikori – #4 Berdych; #8 Wawrinka – #2 Federer #RG15
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) May 22, 2015
Djokovic looked and sounded like a man high on confidence from his ongoing 22-match winning streak and the five titles he has amassed over the past five months, including trophies collected on the clay of Rome and Monte Carlo.
“There is always a little bit of extra motivation for me coming into Roland Garros. It is obviously very encouraging knowing that I have won all of the big events from last October (all Masters 1000, World Tour Finals and majors), and playing some of the best tennis of my life.
“Coming into Roland Garros with that amount of confidence helps,” said Djokovic, who needs the French Open title to complete his set of a career grand slam.
“It encourages me to step on the court and compete. I have had this particular situation before, and especially in the last two years where I was coming into Roland Garros and people speculating ‘is this the year or not?’ Thinking about how far I can go. Can I win the title or not?
“I was a few times very close. Didn’t manage to do it, but that doesn’t discourage me to not keep on going. I’m here once again with a purpose, with a reason, and I will try to get myself in a position to win a trophy.”
Nadal’s build up to this year’s French Open has been the worst of his career and his chances of winning a 10th crown in Paris have been questioned by many. Djokovic is trying not to read too much into it though.
“He did struggle. He was not playing up to his standard this year comparing to, let’s say, last eight, nine years,” Djokovic added.
“He has always been able to win a big title on clay coming into Roland Garros. It wasn’t the case this year, so it is probably a bit different approach for him.
“But regardless of that, I think he still is playing his best tennis on clay courts in Paris. He has lost only one match in his entire career here. I think that record speaks enough about his level of play. I still feel that he’s definitely right up there in top favourites to win.”
About his match against Djokovic, @rafaelnadal: “I’m just focusing on going to this match. If I go to the quarter-final, then we’ll see”.
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) May 22, 2015
Nadal concedes that he is feeling less confident than in the past when he would head into Paris with several clay titles under his belt. But he is also trying to focus on the positives from his past few weeks in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.
“Even like this I was able to play semi-finals in Masters 1000, another final, and one quarterfinal. It’s not terrible, but if we compare with other years, obviously looks bad, no?” said the Spanish 14-time grand slam champion.
“That’s always going to happen when you achieve a lot in the past. You’re always going to have the comparisons. Obviously, when you lose more than other years confidence is a little bit less.
“But the positive thing is I started again in January after a tough second half of the year last year (wrist injury and appendicitis). And since January, I think I’ve improved a lot.”
No 2 seed Roger Federer is looking to capture an 18th major crown and a second to go along with the one he won in 2009.
Roger Federer’s potential road to the @rolandgarros final: – Qualifier – Granollers – Karlovic – Monfils – Wawrinka – Berdych/Nishikori
— SI Tennis (@SI_Tennis) May 22, 2015
The Swiss finds the conditions at Roland Garros significantly different to what he has experienced in Rome, Madrid, Istanbul and Monte Carlo, particularly with the balls and the surface, which he feels is playing slower.
“I think we will see quite different tennis actually to the last six weeks, which I think is going to be a test for all of us,” said Federer.
“I just got to make sure I adjust my game according to the playing conditions here, and then we will see how far it takes me. I think there is a chance to go very deep.”
Third-seeded Andy Murray comes to Paris on a 10-match winning streak on the surface with titles in Munich and Madrid. He’s hoping to add a third grand slam trophy to his cabinet.
“It’s probably the best I have played on clay, for sure,” said the Scot. “I feel like I’m moving well. I feel a lot freer on the court. Body feels good. That’s positive.”
