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Will Pressure Be a Big Problem for Novak Djokovic at the 2016 French Open?
- Updated: May 6, 2016
Novak Djokovic’s dominance is unquestionable, but winning the 2016 French Open will be his greatest career challenge. On paper, this might be his clearest path through an ATP tour that does not currently feature a rising No. 2 rival or invincible clay king.
Except the French Open is anything but straightforward. Sure, if Djokovic does sweep through for the Musketeers Cup, it will seem like the obvious result. But guarantees are pie in the sky, and promises never take root in clay. While the Serb has conquered every other notable title, there will be uncertainty until someone is hoisting up the trophy for a photo shoot at the Eiffel Tower.
All of this weighs in with Djokovic’s quick start at Madrid. After playing only one match at Monte Carlo and resting from clay-court competition until this week, he has determined to tune up and peak with Spanish and Roman matches, trusting that the work will be ideal for seven matches in Paris.
There’s simply no alternative to the arduous task. Djokovic is the titan of tennis, holding the world on his durable shoulders, but like mighty Atlas he will feel the weight of public and personal expectations to complete his last great quest.
He can play the greatest tennis of his life, and he might have to in order to win the French Open, but pressure is inescapable. He must rise above the past and future with his spectacular play, one point at a time like removing bricks from a wall that has blocked him off for too many years.
Rod Laver: As far as greatness goes, Djokovic is now Federer’s equal. | https://t.co/wFqQ8ifvSm via @brad_kallet pic.twitter.com/nOA2G9yT4q
— TENNIS.com (@Tennis) May 5, 2016
Misfortune or Pressure?
OK, Nadal is the all-time king of clay, stamped forever with nine French Open titles from 2005-14. Yet there’s still the lingering sense that Djokovic has had five very strong spring opportunities evaporate like dew drops on hot, ground-up brick.
Was it merely French misfortune to run into a motivated Federer (2011) or …
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