PARIS: Novak Djokovic says he is on course to win the French Open title after skipping the Madrid Masters last month and arriving early in Rome to prepare for his second Grand Slam of the year.
The Serbian last lost to Kasper Ruud in the semi-finals at the Monte Carlo Masters in April and the 24-time Grand Slam champion is looking for his first trophy of the season.
The 37-year-old, who split with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic, is currently working with world number two Nenad Zimonjic and said he is excited to be ahead of Roland Garros, which starts on May 26.
“Also, I had a lot of time to rest and practice. I had a good practice. I arrived (in Rome) two days before hitting the center court, plus I had four or five days of practice before my first match. players,” Djokovic told reporters .
“Obviously, it’s different when you train with them, play practice sets, see where your game is and get in perfect shape for the first official game.
“I think I’m on a good way to reach the top at Roland Garros in Paris. I hope I can play better here in Rome than in Monte Carlo.”
Djokovic has also parted ways with fitness coach Marco Panici and said he has re-hired Gebhard Grich as he looks to succeed at the Paris Olympics and Grand Slams.
“We know each other very well. So I feel that we have been in sync from the beginning with what we are going to do, how we are going to approach the curriculum and off the court. And Nenad too. ” added Djokovic.
“I am happy in the last 10-14 days of training, preparation and looking forward to these tournaments, especially Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Olympics.”