Tim Henman has offered his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s chances of winning a record-shattering 25th Grand Slam title at the French Open.
The Serbian has been chasing this historic title for years now, coming so agonisingly close only to be thwarted by the new generation of superstars.
As his powers wane, the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner seem to only grow stronger.
Therefore, if he were to win that coveted major title now, it would probably represent one of the most unlikely and extraordinary of his storied career.
He will believe that he can accomplish this feat, as all top players must do. Henman, however, is not so optimistic.
Tim Henman predicts Novak Djokovic’s Roland Garros performance
Speaking to TNT Sports, his prediction was short and not so sweet for Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros.
After a video where he tried to teach former footballer Joe Cole and ex-Rugby player Austin Healey how to play tennis, they converged to discuss the upcoming event in the French capital.
Asked his thoughts on who the favourites to win might be, naturally, he went straight for Alcaraz.
However, he could not discuss being a champion without at least mentioning Djokovic, to which he stated: ‘Can Djokovic [win the French Open]? He’s looking for 25 [Grand Slam titles], he’s got 24. In the women’s Margaret Court has got 24 and he’s looking just to go that one step further.
‘I don’t personally think he can on clay because of the physicality, he’s 37 [at the time of recording]. The recovery we talked about, I think it’s hard.’
Novak Djokovic lifts his 100th career title at Geneva Open
Before the Geneva Open, predicting another troublesome tournament campaign for Djokovic would have been well-justified.
After all, the legendary 38-year-old has endured a tough year thus far, struggling on clay in particular following first-round exits in Monte-Carlo and Madrid.
So, when he took a late wild card in an ATP 250 event, many applauded the decision.
More minutes in the tank and hopefully a strong run to reinstate confidence.
Few expected he would stride to the title in the manner in which he did, toppling top opposition including a hard-fought three-set win over Hubert Hurkacz in the final.
In winning this event, it actually marked a historic feat for Djokovic, who celebrated 100 career titles.
Despite his seniority within the sport, he continues to topple records even when people write him off.
There is just one elusive and elite record that remains now: the 25th Grand Slam. Arguably, his preparation following his Geneva Open triumph could not have been better for a French Open run.
