Novak sends out clear warning
FRENCH OPEN: SERB HITS HIGH NOTES AHEAD OF PARIS
Djokovic will hold all four Grand Slam titles if he conquers Roland Garros. Madrid
Novak Djokovic said his impressive burst of form which won him a third Madrid Open title and 33rd Masters could prove decisive in his assault on the French Open.
The world No 1 joined Rafael Nadal on top of the all-time Masters list when he swept to a 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s final in the Spanish capital.
“At this very important time for me in the season, the win gives me a lot of confidence prior to Rome and, of course, Roland Garros where I definitely want to play my best,” said the 15-time Grand Slam winner.
Djokovic dominated a clearly exhausted Tsitsipas less than 24 hours after the 20-year-old Greek had stunned five-time champion Nadal in a semifinal which ended around midnight on Saturday.
Djokovic and Nadal will now attempt to claim a 34th Masters title in Rome this week in a key indicator ahead of Roland Garros which gets under way on May 26.
He will be bidding to collect his fourth consecutive title at a Grand Slam when he plays in Paris where he was also champion in 2016.
“This win was very important for my level of confidence because after the Australian Open I wasn’t playing my best,” he said.
“I wasn’t finding the right game and the consistency on the court in Indian Wells, Miami and Monte-Carlo.
“I felt like I was close and needed a little bit of a push, which came yesterday against Dominic Thiem in the semifinal in a very close match.”
Djokovic never let Tsitsipas get into gear in a final which lasted just over 90 minutes
“He has the best backhand that I have ever seen in a human being,” said Tsitsipas, who has lost both Mastesr finals he appeared in, of Djokovic. –