Former world No.1 Jim Courier has warned Novak Djokovic’s French Open rivals: “Write him off at your own risk.” Djokovic has struggled with his form since the Australian Open. He suffered first-round exits at tournaments in Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, and Madrid and, despite reaching the final of the Miami Open, was surprisingly beaten by teenager Jakub Mensik.
But Courier believes that Djokovic’s unusual step of competing in an ATP 250 event in Geneva this week is a “good sign” that he is trying to turn things around.
“Novak has been struggling, and he’s not winning the matches he’s used to winning,” Courier told Express Sport. “But it’s a good sign he’s taken a wildcard into Geneva this week, and he’s looking to get some momentum into Roland Garros.”
Last week, Djokovic confirmed that he had ended his partnership with Andy Murray ahead of the French Open.
The pair began working together in the build-up to January’s Australian Open, where the Serbian icon reached the semi-final before retiring hurt against Alexander Zverev.
The timing of the split, just days before Djokovic opened his Geneva Open campaign in his final tournament before Roland Garros, has been considered a surprise. However, Courier never believed the two rivals were going to work together long-term.
“I was surprised they got together in the first place, so I was never going to be surprised when it ended,” he added. “It was just a case of how long they would hang on together.”
Since splitting with Murray, Djokovic has added compatriot Dusan Vemic to his coaching team. The 48-year-old, a former professional player on the ATP Tour, has previously worked with the icon as an assistant coach.
Djokovic will take on Hungarian player Marton Fucsovics in Switzerland on Wednesday night.
Courier will be working at the tournament as a pundit and commentator for TNT Sports.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk