“Still Have a Few Gears”: Novak Djokovic Sends Stern Warning to Rivals Ahead of French Open 2020

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic added another feather to his already glowing cap. The Serbian legend was crowned the winner of the Italian Open 2020, which made this his fifth Italian Open title.

The 33-year-old Djokovic defeated the Argentine Diego Schwartzman in straight sets of 7-5 and 6-3. However, it was the post-match presentation that gained even more attention. The 17-time Grand Slam winner admitted that he was not at his best in the tournament. It was unusual to hear this from the Italian Open 2020 winner. “I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I haven’t played my best tennis. I still have a few gears and I am going to need to get there in order to achieve a good result at the French Open 2020,” said Djokovic.

Djokovic has been unbeaten so far in 2020. Fans had expected an exciting final since the 28-year-old Schwartzman defeated Rafael Nadal in the quarters of the Italian Open 2020. But Djokovic once again showed the tennis world why he deserved to be World No. 1 and asserted his dominance throughout the match.

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The Serbian will be aiming for the French Open title next, which starts in less than a week. With his record of staying unbeaten so far, he will be starting as one of the favorites.

The World No. 1’s experience was quite visible in the final. He looked comfortable, like it was just another ordinary match for him, and won five out of the nine break-points. Djokovic’s win percentage on the first serve was 70%. This was way ahead of the 58% managed by Schwartzman in the match.

The young Argentine was under enormous pressure once he lost the first set 5-7. He was clearly seen struggling with his serve in the second set. Schwartzman even made three double-faults. In the end, after giving a tough fight in the first set, Djokovic took control of the second set. From there on, he never looked back and took a breath only after he lifted the title.

Djokovic will certainly be looking to win his second French Open, given the kind of form he is in. His ultimate competitor will undoubtedly be the clay-court legend, Rafael Nadal. But with Nadal not in his best form, this could prove to be Djokovic’s golden opportunity.

The Italian Open has given Djokovic a fair amount of exposure to the clay surface. Fans will expect him to go on and win his 18th Grand Slam title and inch closer towards Roger Federer’s tally of 20 Grand Slams.

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