Djokovic confronts age and fitness concerns ahead of Roland Garros

PARIS: Novak Djokovic heads into this year’s French Open facing mounting questions over fitness, form and the effects of age as he prepares for another campaign at Roland Garros.

The Serbian great, who turns 39 this week, remains one of the most decorated players in the sport with 24 Grand Slam titles, but arrives in Paris after a limited schedule and an interrupted build-up. Djokovic has played only three tournaments in 2026 and suffered defeat in his only clay-court match of the season, losing to Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic at the Italian Open earlier this month.

His preparations were further disrupted after he withdrew from events in Miami, Monte Carlo and Madrid while managing a shoulder problem. Strapping was visible during his short appearance in Rome, underlining the physical issues that have affected his lead-up to the tournament.

Djokovic acknowledged that his run-up to Roland Garros has been far from smooth.

It's not an ideal preparation, to be honest.

Djokovic said. He added that physical setbacks have become a recurring feature before major events.

I don't recall the last time I had in the last couple of years a preparation where I didn't have any kind of physical issues or health issues coming into the tournament. There's always something. Kind of a new reality that I have to deal with.

The comments reflect a shift for a player long known for his physical durability and careful planning. Djokovic also admitted the situation has been difficult to accept.

It is frustrating.

he said.

At the same time it's my decision to still perform in that kind of state and conditions.

Strong record in Paris

Despite those concerns, Djokovic’s history at Roland Garros means he remains a serious contender. He will be seeded third for the tournament and has won the French Open three times. Since his third-round exit in 2009, he has reached at least the quarter-finals in every edition.

The absence of defending two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz also strengthens his prospects. Djokovic has been one of the few players in recent years to consistently challenge Rafael Nadal on clay, and his experience over five sets remains a major asset.

Margins becoming tighter

Even so, Djokovic has openly spoken about the small declines he now notices in his game. On clay, where movement and endurance are especially important, those changes can be significant over the course of a two-week Grand Slam.

I see what I'm missing.

he said.

Late half a step. I'm not definitely where I want to be for the highest level and to compete at the highest level and to be able to get far.

He said he continues to work as hard as his body permits, but acknowledged that training alone does not guarantee how he will perform once matches begin.

I train hard. I train as much as the body allows me to.

he said.

Then how it turns out on the court, that's really unpredictable.

Still capable of major performances

Although his Grand Slam tally has not increased since the 2023 US Open, Djokovic has shown he can still produce elite tennis. He is one of only two men to beat Jannik Sinner this season, having ended the Italian’s Australian Open title defence in January with a five-set semi-final victory that he described at the time as one of his best performances in a decade.

After that win, Djokovic said criticism from those who believed his time at the top was over had helped drive him on.

I never stopped doubting. I never stopped believing in myself.

the former world number one said at the time.

There's a lot of people that doubt me. I see there is a lot of experts all of a sudden that wanted to retire me or have retired me many times the last couple of years.

I want to thank them all because they gave me strength. They gave me motivation to prove them wrong.

Djokovic went on to lose that Australian Open final to Alcaraz, but his ability to raise his level on the biggest stages means he cannot be ruled out in Paris, even as he continues to manage the demands of an ageing body.