Paris
Novak Djokovic is just two wins away from becoming the first man in half a century to win all four Grand Slams twice, but once again Roland Garros is threatening to turn against him.
The world number one’s collection of 17 Slams is made up of eight Australian Opens, five Wimbledon titles, three triumphs at the US Open but only one so far in Paris.
Rafael Nadal is mostly responsible for Djokovic’s slim pickings in the French capital, capturing 12 titles, winning 98 matches and losing just twice since both men made their debuts in 2005.
Djokovic, who struggled with injury and mood swings before beating Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, has always endured a love-hate relationship with the French Open.
His former coach Boris Becker believes that the Serb is feeling the pressure as he gets closer to his place in the record books.
“No, it wasn’t that at all,” snapped back the top seed after his 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 win over Carreno Busta, insisting the problem was physical — neck and shoulder injuries — not mental.
“I had to deal with that. I told you guys many times I’m over it. I’m not thinking about it at all. I mean, zero percent.” Djokovic’s one French Open triumph came in 2016 which allowed him to complete the career Grand Slam.—AFP
