Ex-Wimbledon semifinalist issues big take amid Novak Djokovic’s ‘terrible results’

Sam Querrey is the latest name to express shock at Novak Djokovic’s “terrible 2024 results” as the former American tennis star says he “will not be surprised” if the defending French Open champion gets bounced early at Roland Garros by someone who usually wouldn’t have a chance against the Serb.

After entering the clay season without a title won in 2024, Djokovic’s clay swing started nicely as the world No. 1 made the Monte Carlo Masters semifinal – but then his 2024 woes reappeared and he lost to Casper Ruud. After skipping Madrid to focus on practice and returning to action in Rome, it certainly didn’t go as Djokovic hoped after Alejandro Tabilo shocked the Serb 6-2 6-3 in the Rome third round.

Querrey, a 2017 Wimbledon semifinalist, was shocked by Djokovic’s performance versus Tabilo but underlines that the record 24-time Grand Slam champion has a history of coming out on the top when it matters the most. However, while Querrey won’t be surprised to see Djokovic finding his best game at Roland Garros, he also won’t be that surprised if the Serb suffers another loss similar to the one he suffered in Rome.

Novak Djokovic © Getty Images Sport – Dan Istitene

Querrey on Djokovic: Terrible results… Won’t be surprised if he loses early at the French Open

“I don’t know (what’s going on with Djokovic). I watched his match against Tabilo (in Rome). It looked like he didn’t try. He lost 6-2 6-3. He wasn’t in the match mentally from the third, fourth game,” Querrey said on Racquet’s Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast.

“At this point he’s only concerned about the Grand Slams so I trust him to get it together mentally and be engaged and ready to go at the French Open.

“He’s never come into the French Open in the last 15, 16 years having such terrible results. So, I’m also not surprised if he loses early to, you know, a player like Tabilo.”

After an early Rome loss, Djokovic took a wildcard into this week’s ATP 250 tournament in Geneva, where he started with a 6-3 6-3 win over Yannick Hanfmann on Wendesday.