Novak Djokovic still likes his ‘chances against anybody’ at French Open despite Holger Rune loss

Defending champion Djokovic didn’t produce his best tennis as he was beaten in three sets by world No. 7 Rune.

The defeat continues a mixed clay season that has seen Djokovic lose early in Monte Carlo and Bosnia-Herzegovina before withdrawing from the Madrid Open.

At the Italian Open he won two matches before going down to Rune.

“I know I can always play better,” said Djokovic afterwards.

“Definitely am looking forward to working on various aspects of my game, of my body, hopefully getting myself in 100 percent shape. That’s the goal.

“I always like my chances in Grand Slams against anybody on any surface, best of five. Let’s see how it goes.”

Djokovic is set to be seeded second at the French Open behind Carlos Alcaraz, who will take over as world No. 1 next week.

Djokovic lost in the quarter-finals in Paris last year after claiming his second title there in 2021.

Reflecting on his loss to Rune, he said: “Obviously in these kind of conditions, it’s very difficult to get the ball past him.

“He’s very, very fast, very quick. Great anticipation. Just a very talented, dynamic player, all-around player.

“He was just better. He played too good for me for most parts of the match. I did have a bad start of the third set. I think that’s where the match kind of shifted to his side. He kept his nerves and deserved to win.”

Despite the defeat, Djokovic will still be one of the favourites to win the French Open, which starts on May 28.

But with Alcaraz and Rune among those looking in strong form, there could be a healthy list of contenders.

“Obviously, a new generation is here already,” said Djokovic.

“I mean, Alcaraz is No. 1 in the world from Monday. Obviously he’s playing amazing tennis. I think it’s also good for our sport that we have new faces, new guys coming up. It’s normal.

“We’ve been saying this for years, that we can expect it to come, that moment to come when you have [a] kind of shift of generations.”

“I’m personally still trying to hang in there with all of them. I’m happy with — of course, very happy with — my career so far. I still have the hunger to keep going.”

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