Novak Djokovic © Getty Images Sport – Julian Finney
During the recent episode of Advantage Connors podcast, the former US legend and his son Brett analyzed what could happen at the Roland Garros. Jimmy Connors explained how this edition of the French Open is also a great opportunity for Alexander Zverev’s generation to win the tournament, considering how the conditions of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal leave room for possible Parisian surprises.
“Now, with Federer gone, Nadal injured and Djokovic struggling to get some matches, it’s a very open opportunity for a lot of these younger guys. Even guys like Zverev, to take advantage of that and to start posing, it’s we talk so much, to start laying the foundation for their legacy, to start taking control and understanding that this is their moment. You said it was wide open because normally going to France, especially on clay, before the. last year or two there was Federer, Djokovic and Nadal. And you could take those three against the court and come out on top almost every year. Or just Nadal,” explained Connors.
Alexander Zverev & Rafael Nadal, Roland Garros 2022© Ryan Pierse / Staff – Getty Images Sport
Djokovic, who is challenging Tallon Griekspoor in Geneva, spoke of his expectations for both the Swiss tournament and the upcoming Roland Garros.
“Playing on my birthday was almost the key to this victory and probably without success it wouldn’t have been the same for me. It’s wonderful to be here, my family is also here to support me. I have cousins and uncles here, we haven’t had the opportunity to see each other lately but this time they are here. I am also very grateful for all the fans present at the pitch.
Sensations? Let’s hope that playing consecutive matches can increase my confidence ahead of Roland Garros, which will now be played in less than a week. I’m happy with my performance, even though I know I can do better.
I played a good challenge, except in the first part of the second set but he is an excellent player, very aggressive with his forehand. I’m surprised by all the support from the public, at 0-3 it was essential to find the square and break it and this allowed me to get back into the set. I think I played at my highest level in the final part of the second set, I have very high expectations of my game and I think I played a good first match here,” he explained.
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