Novak Djokovic: I’ve Found My Clay Game, Now I Need To Hit Peak Level In Paris

Despite a tough loss today in the Rome Masters final to rival Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic was upbeat about his chances at Roland Garros later this month.

The Serb showed his fitness and game with two very good wins yesterday over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Lorenzo Sonego. Then today, had multiple break chances in the third.

So after a tough start to the clay season, things are looking better for Djokovic who’ll go for a second Career Slam at Roland Garros and a 19th overall Major which he’s said is now the focus.

“Going into Paris brings me good sensation,” Djokovic said today. “I actually now started to feel like I actually want to feel on clay. So I think if I manage to play the way I played last night and today, I think I have a good chance to go all the way in Paris.

“Actually, last couple days really gave me the confidence boost for the clay. I found the game. So now I just have to maintain it, that level, and peak in Paris.”

Before Paris, Djokovic will take a week off to rest before returning to Belgrade for another clay event.

Since his 2016 French title, Djokovic has returned to the finals there just once, and that was last fall when he lost to Nadal in straight sets.

Nadal leads Djokovic 19-7 on clay and has won 11 of their last 13 sets. Djokovic hasn’t beaten Rafa on the dirt since 2016 Rome.

Djokovic turns 34 on Saturday.