Depleted Djokovic may struggle in Paris

Novak Djokovic admitted on Sunday that his Roland Garros title defence might not go as he hopes after a dismal run-up season on clay.

The world No. 1 could well be struggling to hold his ranking position at the event he has won three times after failing to pass the semi-finals and playing only three tune-up tournaments on the clay.

He will open first-round play against French wild card entry Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

“I almost feel a bit embarrassed to say what my expectations are,” the 37-year-old said. “Anything but a title for me is not satisfactory.

The winner of the record 24 Grand Slam singles titles added; “I know it might sound arrogant to a lot of people, but I think I have the career that backs it up.

“One of the major reasons I’m still playing at this highest level is (the chance) to write more history of the sport and win the biggest titles.

“Paris is definitely one of them.”

But with his poor showing and  failure to win a title so far this season, Djokovic knows he may have to scale back his optimism.

“My hopes and goals are always the same, but I have to lower the expectations.

“(That means) maybe not thinking too much ahead in terms of the tournament and who I might face in the later rounds, but really taking it day by day, step by step, and really building my game. 

“That’s what I have really been struggling with, not really playing at a consistently good level.”