By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Monday, Could 26, 2025
Photograph Credit score: Clive Brunskill/Getty
Novak Djokovic is again within the hunt for a potential twenty fifth profession Main singles title at this yr’s Roland-Garros.
But, the all-time nice remains to be unhappy that his long-time rivals Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray are not on tour to encourage him for much more greatness.
The three-time Roland-Garros champion spoke to the press on Monday earlier than his first-round match in Paris.
The previous World No. 1 Djokovic, 38, remains to be celebrating his milestone a centesimal profession tour title that he earned in Geneva in opposition to Hubert Hurkacz.
It was a fast turnaround for Djokovic, who traveled from Geneva to Paris in time to participate within the tribute ceremony for 14-time champion Rafael Nadal, who retired final yr.
“It was a busy day yesterday and really good, fantastic day. Clearly profitable a centesimal title, that could be a good milestone, in fact, positively a lot wanted for my recreation and confidence degree coming into Roland Garros,” Djokovic mentioned.
1dem00, Nole!@DjokerNole #gonetgenevaopen pic.twitter.com/z3uKQ64Lel
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 24, 2025
“So it was a lovely second, actually one of many nicest moments I’ve skilled on this courtroom. Actually, strolling into the courtroom with Federer and Murray alongside and being there for Nadal and experiencing all of the glory of yesterday’s celebrations of his profession. We have been all blissful for him as a result of he completely deserved it.” Djokovic, appeared on courtroom throughout the Nadal ceremony together with his former “Huge 4” rivals Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray.
Seeing his footprint embedded on Roland Garros’ middle stage moved the 14-time French Open champion to tears, and his outdated rivals have been moved as properly👇https://t.co/nmNgKEO6AL pic.twitter.com/T61rUUeZiP
— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) May 25, 2025
For Djokovic, it made him understand that the top of his tennis profession is probably going developing sooner slightly than later.
“Nicely, I imply, actually I used to be eager about my finish of the street as properly final evening or yesterday once we have been watching Rafa having his speech, significantly these moments once we have been within the again room, the three of us, and I used to be simply, yeah, clearly speaking to Federer and Murray about their good-byes and reminiscing and reflecting on the rivalries, and naturally a part of me is proud that I am nonetheless there, that I am nonetheless going, however on the similar time, I used to be, and I nonetheless am a bit unhappy that they are all gone, as a result of these guys have been my best motivations of why I competed so intensely and for thus lengthy.
Djokovic added about his “Huge 4” rivals, “Though we have been the fiercest rivals, it is that non-public contact that’s on the market while you type of spill your coronary heart out on the courtroom, as he did yesterday. It is virtually not possible it does not contact you deeply.
“That is what we mainly informed him, you understand, once we have been on the courtroom. It was actually fantastic. And kudos and credit score to Roland Garros for doing a tremendous job, you understand, to have fun Rafa.”
Djokovic, seeded No. 6 this yr at Roland-Garros, faces American Mackenzie McDonald within the first spherical.
