Four years ago, Novak Djokovic came to Paris having not lost a single match in 2011 and looking to add seven more victories to his winning streak by lifting the Roland Garros trophy.
– #Quiz360: WIN Vivitar Action Camera worth AED 700
– Malek Jaziri: Roland Garros Day 1 – Friendships with selfies
– #360podcast: Career slam awaits Novak Djokovic at French Open
His run came to a screeching halt by Roger Federer in the semi-finals and he’s been denied the French Open crown time and time again ever since.
This year, Djokovic is not undefeated but he might as well be. He has won his last 22 consecutive matches, has won four Masters 1000 titles and the Australian Open in the past five months, and is looking more and more invincible by the minute. His first round opponent, Finnish lefty Jarkko Nieminen is undoubtedly the unluckiest man in the draw.
World’s best player can’t squeeze in a quiet practice session anywhere! @DjokerNole with fans @stadefrancais #RG15 pic.twitter.com/rNrstDQc0e
— Neha Ganeriwal (@nehag80) May 25, 2015
Djokovic won three of the four majors in 2011 and finished that year with a remarkable 70-6 win-loss record. Results-wise it may have been his best season but the world No1 insists he is a much more evolved player at the moment.
“I just feel more complete as a player in terms of my ability to handle the emotions on the court and find a way to win the tough matches,” said the Serb, who is a two-time runner-up at Roland Garros.
“I’ve matured. Just mentally knowing what to do, how to approach big tournaments, big matches, and how to keep that consistency going and not have many ups and downs.
“2011 was results-wise the best year of my career, no doubt about it. But this year I’m able to handle things that are on the court and also off the court in a much better and more mature way.
“So I like the player that I am today more than the one that I was in 2011.”
Djokovic’s counterpart in the women’s game, world No1 Serena Williams also commences her French Open campaign, against Czech Repubic’s Andrea Hlavackova.
At 33, Williams remains a force to be reckoned with on the ladies’ circuit and she admits she is most proud of how she has stepped up in terms of consistency over the past few seasons.
“I have been up and down a lot in my career. I think the past few years I have been really consistent. I think since 2011 when I first started back (after suffering a pulmonary embolism) I have been doing the best that I can. That is something I actually had never done in my career (before),” said Williams, who is recovering from an elbow injury.
The American two-time French Open champion is searching for a 20th major crown that would place her just two shy of Steffi Graf’s Open Era record.
“Do you know what’s good about tennis? Unlike basketball and football, you have four times a year to get to the grand slams and try and win one. You have four chances. That gives us a little bit more opportunity. I feel like there is still plenty of time. Honestly, if I get to 20, that would be great. If I get past that, that would also be great. I think 19 is pretty awesome, too.”
Rafael Nadal will also be chasing glory this fortnight as he targets a record-extending 10th Coupe des Mousquetaires.
He begins his title defence against 18-year-old French wildcard Quentin Halys, ranked No296 in the world.
“We are in the most important place of my career, without any doubt, no? The emotions that I have experiences in this court are difficult to describe. Every year it’s been a special one,” said Nadal, who would pass Pete Sampras and take sole possession of second place in the grand slams Open Era leaders list should he capture a 15th major this fortnight.
