Watch: Novak Djokovic arrives at Roland Garros for title defense
Novak Djokovic has arrived at Roland Garros for his title defense after a few days of strenuous practice in Belgrade.
Fresh off winning his sixth Rome Masters title last week, the World No. 1 was spotted practicing with compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in the Serbian capital. Djokovic has now arrived in Paris, where he will look to become the first player other than Rafael Nadal in more than two decades to successfully defend his title.
Here's a video of Djokovic arriving on the practice courts of Roland Garros on Thursday:
@rolandgarros¡Mirá quién llegó a #RolandGarros! 🇷🇸👊
📹 @rolandgarros
@DjokerNole
https://t.co/6K3bHkDVbF
The 34-year-old has run into some serious form ahead of an all-important fortnight at Roland Garros. He won all five of his matches last week in straight sets as he triumphed for the sixth time in Rome. Ten of his 12 wins this season have come on clay.
Following a second-round exit in Monte Carlo, Djokovic made the Belgrade final, where he lost to Andrey Rublev. He then reached the Madrid semifinals, falling against eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz in a third-set tie-break.
Novak Djokovic chasing more history at Roland Garros
Novak Djokovic created history at Roland Garros last year. He beat 13-time champion Rafael Nadal in an unforgettable semifinal, becoming the first player to notch up two wins against the legendary left-hander twice in Paris.
The World No. 1 then overcame a two-set deficit against first-time Major finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas to win his second Roland Garros title. This made Djokovic the first player in the Open Era to win the Double Career Grand Slam (winning each Major twice).
#RolandGarros
Merci beaucoup ❤️🏆🇫🇷 #RolandGarros https://t.co/9sec67ivN0
A few weeks later, he would win his sixth title at Wimbledon to create a three-way tie with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal atop the all-time Grand Slam title leaderboard. Nadal won the Australian Open to move ahead in the race.
A year later, Djokovic is on the cusp of more history at Roland Garros. He's looking to become the first player not named Nadal to go back-to-back at the tournament in more than two decades. Gustavo Kuerten (2000-01) was the last player before Nadal to successfully defend his title.
If the Serb triumphs in Paris, he will move level with Nadal (21) once again atop the all-time Grand Slam title leaderboard. Moreover, he'll become the first player to win an unprecedented Triple Career Grand Slam. Apart from his exploits in the French Open and in Wimbledon, Djokovic has won a record nine Australian Open and three US Open titles.
Also Check Out: Novak Djokovic French Open Titles