Roland Garros can never get over Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard suffered his maiden Round 1 exit at the hands of Alexander Zverev at the French Open. Since then, all eyes have turned to world number one Novak Djokovic. The Serb has emerged as the number one contender to win his fourth title in Paris.
Even though Novak Djokovic has endured a horrible 2024 season, he remains the fans favourite. The 36-year-old continues to be a terminator for his opponents on the tennis court, and off it is an entertainer par excellence.
Novak Djokovic’s Tutorial in Paris
Soon after registering a straight-sets win in Round 2, Novak Djokovic woos the Paris crowd, with a backhand passing shot tutorial. Here’s the video:
When insisted by former Wimbledon Champion Marion Barotelli, Novak Djokovic displayed the backhand winner, much to the applause of the fans inside the centre court.
Novak took the help of a ball girl, and was at his animated best, right through the video.
Winning over the Paris fans hearts is nothing new for Novak Djokovic. Remember in 2016, when 29-year-old Novak won his first French Open title. His gesture towards former champion Gustavo Kuerten, a 3-time-winner in Paris, literally won everyone’s hearts.
With Rafa no longer at the French Open, and Novak looking to end his listless 2024 season – the French Open title should possibly be the icing on the cake for the Serb. He is looking for his record 25th grand slam, and there is no better place than Paris to do it. Novak will also become only the second man after Rafael Nadal in the last 18 years to defend his title on red clay.
There’s still a lot of work to be done, and Novak knows it better than anyone else.
