Djoko rediscovers the habit of big-match success

After a spell in the wilderness and a 10-month title drought, Novak Djokovic has regained his winning will at the French Open.

The 38-year-old who claimed his 100th career Tour title last month in Geneva, is carrying his success forward with a place in the Roland Garros semi-finals and a Friday date against Jannik Sinner. 

Djokovic is emerging smoothly from the cycle of doubt which left him scratching for form and motivation during the run-up to Paris; he skipped both the Madrid and Rome Masters but found some hope with a statement title in Geneva.

Now, the 24-time grand Slam winner is in the thick of the title scramble.

“If you look at the results I’ve had this year.. multiple first match losses at the big Masters tournaments.

“That wasn’t a great feeling, it’s something I haven’t experienced for many of the 20 years I’ve been playing. 

“I have to find a to bounce back at the Grand Slams.

Djokovic demonstrated his survival skills in the quarter-finals, defeating Alexander Zverev over three hours and five match points to set up a showdown with Sinner, winner of their last three meetings.

“Now, it’s all about Grand Slams for me, trying to raise the level and play my best tennis at these four tournaments,” three-time Roland Garros champion Djokovic said.

“I think the win against (Carlos) Alcaraz in quarters of the Australian Open, to win quarters against Zverev proves that I can still play on the highest level,and I just thrive on these occasions.”

He added: “This is where I lock in and really give my best. I just hope that I will be able to physically keep up with Sinner.

“It’s a big challenge and it’s only going to get tougher. But it’s how it’s
supposed to be at the highest Grand Slam level.”

The veteran is preparing for a huge battle against Italy’s ATP No. 1 and winner of the last two Grand Slams in New York and Melbourne.

“He’s going to come out and play on a very high level, as he did basically every tournament that he played in the last year and a half. 

“I don’t expect anything less from him,” Djokovic said.