Novak Djokovic Back In Belgrade To Get Perfect For Paris

Following a disappointing first edition, Novak Djokovic is back to lead the Belgrade #2 field.

His home and own event saw him get stunned in the semifinals by Aslan Karatsev last month. Djokovic, who just turned 34 yesterday, hopes for a better outcome this time and to continue to improve his form.

“I’ve been setting up everything to peak in Paris and here it’s about matchplay and it’s about working on certain specific details in my game that hopefully I’ll be able to tweak them and to make them perfectly tuned in Paris,” Djokovic said. “That’s definitely where I want to shine and it’s a Grand Slam. It’s a two-week long event, it’s clay, it’s very demanding in every aspect. But I’m happy with the way I’ve been feeling on the court and playing, so hopefully I can go all the way there.”

The World No. 1 played well last weekend despite a tough loss in the Rome final to Rafael Nadal.

“I was pleased with the way I played in Rome, also in the final after five hours spent on the court on Saturday. I came out and played almost three hours with Rafa on Sunday and I felt I could go on physically for a few more hours,” Djokovic said. “That was something that really satisfied me, knowing that I’m fit and ready to battle in best of five, which is coming up in Paris, where I really want to try to play my best tennis.”

Djokovic will be joined in the field by Gael Monfils, Adrian Mannarino and Nikolaz Basilashvili. Djokovic, who has a bye, could face Miomir Kecmanovic in the quarters and then Basilashvili in the semifinals. The Serb will open against the Moraing-Gerasimov winner.

This is the first time Djokovic has played the week before the French Open. He did play the week before the Australian at the start of the year.

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