Novak Djokovic gets late wild card to Geneva Open in bid for more clay action before Roland Garros
An unexpected loss last Sunday to 32nd-ranked Alejandro Tabilo in the third round of the Italian Open has left Djokovic looking for more games on clay before defending his title at Roland Garros
Published : May 17, 2024 22:11 IST , Geneva - 1 MIN READ
Djokovic last played a tournament in Switzerland in October 2011. | Photo Credit: AP
Novak Djokovic is a surprise entry for the Geneva Open, the last men’s warmup for the French Open.
Top-ranked Djokovic got the last wild card on Friday, Geneva organizers said. The main draw starts on Sunday. Andy Murray also received a wild card.
Djokovic will turn 37 on Wednesday while in Geneva for his first tournament in Switzerland since 2011.
An unexpected loss last Sunday to 32nd-ranked Alejandro Tabilo in the third round of the Italian Open has left Djokovic looking for more games on clay before defending his title at Roland Garros.
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He has a men’s record 24 Grand Slam singles titles. The French Open starts on May 26.
Djokovic’s other clay event this season at Monte Carlo ended in a loss to Casper Ruud in the semifinals. The seventh-ranked Ruud will seek a third Geneva title after wins in 2021 and ’22.
Djokovic last played a tournament in Switzerland in October 2011, losing in Basel to Kei Nishikori in the semifinals of Roger Federer’s hometown event. Djokovic had beaten Federer in the two previous Basel finals.