Novak Djokovic backed to shine at French Open by Tim Henman and Alex Corretja - 'Form is temporary, class is permanent'

Published 27/05/2024 at 22:54 GMT

Novak Djokovic begins his French Open title defence against Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert on Tuesday and there are some doubts about the world No. 1 after a poor recent run of form. However, Eurosport experts Tim Henman and Alex Corretja both believe the 24-time major winner will turn things around in Paris, with Henman describing it as "a classic case of form is temporary, class is permanent."

'Form temporary, class permanent' - Henman, Corretja unconcerned by Djokovic form

Novak Djokovic’s poor form in the build-up to the French Open is a “classic case of form is temporary, class is permanent,” says Tim Henman, while fellow Eurosport expert Alex Corretja tipped the Serbian to reach “at least the semi-finals.”

The world No. 1 kicks off his bid for a 25th Grand Slam title at Roland-Garros on Tuesday when he faces French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round.

Djokovic has had a poor 2024 season so far by his high standards. He is yet to win a title and suffered shock defeats in both Rome and Geneva in his final two events before Paris.

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But discussing the 37-year-old’s chances in Eurosport’s French Open coverage, Henman was convinced that the slump would not continue.

“This is a classic case of form is temporary, class is permanent,” Henman said.

“With his experience, Djokovic doesn’t need to worry about what’s gone on in the last four or five months, he can just focus on his first-round match.

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“This can click for him in the space of a couple of sets. He loves the challenge of dealing with adversity, when he’s the enemy with the crowd against him. That’s when his focus, his concentration, is even greater.

“I don’t buy into any of the stats coming into this tournament. He knows what it takes better than anyone to win Grand Slams and if he can get through the first couple of matches, he’s still one of the favourites.”

Henman pointed to the different motivation between events, believing that Djokovic will be more focused and determined to add to his bulging collection of major trophies.

The Serbian reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January, losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner, but has failed to impress since then with a series of uncharacteristically below-par performances.

“At this stage of his career with what he’s achieved it’s about the Slams,” Henman added.

“Yes, there are all these other events, there are some big tournaments, but it’s just about him keeping things ticking over.

“He has the experience. Even though he hasn’t played well this year, I don’t sense any panic.

“He knows what he has to do, he’s going to be super focused to come out tomorrow and really execute the game plan.

“There are times when he has been distracted on court this year, but I think we’ll see a totally different Novak Djokovic and I wouldn’t be surprised if he really starts to build momentum early in this tournament.”

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Corretja concurred with Henman in believing we will see the best of Djokovic once he gets his bid for a fourth French Open title underway.

Djokovic is defending the crown in Paris after beating Casper Ruud in last year’s final and comes into the tournament as the top seed.

“I’m not concerned about his form honestly, because when you are saving energy and focused on the next event, you don’t need to worry. He’s been pretty much doing what he wanted,” Corretja said.

“I don’t see Novak suffering or fighting the same when he’s playing important tournaments like Masters 1000s. But now, when he gets into Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, the Olympics, the US Open, he knows he has to give everything.

“That’s why for sure his form might go in crescendo in this tournament. He might need some suffering at some point, and he will be ready. I believe we are going to see a good version of Novak. I would be very surprised if Novak doesn’t reach at least the semi-finals.”

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Djokovic spent the afternoon before his opening match watching his long-time rival Rafael Nadal in action on Philippe-Chatrier, where the Spaniard suffered a first-round defeat to Alexander Zverev.

Quizzed on whether Djokovic is struggling to find the same killer instinct now that his old rivals like Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray have waned, Corretja said: “It’s a little bit challenging for him also because he overcame the record for Grand Slams.

“Deep inside of his heart he might be fighting for that as well - is it worth it to continue doing this, all the effort, all the commitment?

“I believe yes, but this year is going to be crucial for the rest of his career. I think he needs to win one more major this year at least in order to feel he’s still hungry for that.

“If he doesn’t make it, I’m not so sure he’s going to be too happy to continue because he only likes to play if he can win majors.

“I’m giving him the chance of this year to see what’s going on. But when you’re a winner, a legend like him, I’m always counting on him. I have no doubts Novak is still hungry.”