Novak Djokovic takes wildcard for Geneva Open to regain form before French Open

Novak Djokovic is making a late change to his French Open preparations. The Serbian tennis star has accepted a wildcard entry into the 2025 Geneva Open, hoping to get back in form before heading to Roland Garros. The ATP 250 event in Switzerland is scheduled to be held from 18 to 24 May.

Djokovic, who is aiming for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title in Paris, had earlier pulled out of the Italian Open in Rome without giving a reason. The Rome Masters is usually a key tournament in the lead-up to the French Open, but Djokovic’s absence raised questions about his fitness and readiness.

Djokovic has played the Geneva Open before. In 2024, he reached the semifinals but lost to Tomas Machac. That year, Casper Ruud eventually went on to win the title by defeating Machac. Interestingly, Ruud is back in the draw this year, along with top names like Taylor Fritz and Grigor Dimitrov.

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A tough season for Djokovic so far

The 37-year-old has had a quiet season so far. He is currently ranked World No. 6 and holds a 12-7 win-loss record for the year. He hasn’t won a single title since the 2024 Paris Olympics. Djokovic’s clay-court form has also been below par, which may have prompted him to get in some extra match practice in Geneva.

Djokovic suffered early exits from his last two clay-court events in Monte Carlo and Madrid last month.

“I was hoping I can play one more match than I played in Monte Carlo. Kind of new reality for me, I have to say. You know, trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament,” Djokovic said after his defeat to Matteo Arnaldi in Madrid.

“It’s a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis, so it’s kind of a challenge for me mentally to really face these kind of sensations on the court, going out early now regularly in the tournaments. But, you know, that’s, I guess, the circle of life and the career (smiling), eventually it was going to happen,” he added.

With just a week left before the French Open, Djokovic is hoping that a few wins in Geneva will help him gain rhythm and confidence. He is also chasing his 100th career ATP title, and Geneva might just be the perfect place to get back to winning ways for the Serbian star.