Novak Djokovic could still play one more tournament before Roland Garros, and it will be up to him whether to accept a wild card entry at the 2024 Geneva Open.
The Geneva Open is one of two ATP 250 tournaments that will run in the final week before the French Open. It serves as a rehearsal for top-ranked players to refine their skills and gain much-needed momentum before the tournament.
And in a surprise development, Swiss media outlet Tribune de Genève is reporting that Djokovic can accept a wild card into the event. The tournament director, Thierry Grin, has also keenly ignited speculation with his statement saying, "We are in contact with all the players in the Top 50."
Djokovic, being the world No. 1, would have presumably been contacted. Because the entry window based on the ATP ranking was closed, the Serbian can take one of two remaining wild card spots in the draw.
Djokovic looked woefully out of form during a shock third-round defeat to Alejandro Tabilo in Rome. This also means that he has played the fewest clay-court matches in his career in the leadup to Rolad Garros since 2006.
At the start of the clay swing, it seemed unthinkable to imagine Djokovic playing a tournament in the last week before Roland Garros. But because he has yet to find that competitive groove in his season, it makes sense that he wants more matches before his title defense later this month.
The tournament has reserved three wild cards for the main draw. One of them has been given to Andy Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion who only just returned to active competition after recovering from ankle ligament damage.
Stan Wawrinka is rumored to be next in line, but the same report indicates that he has not requested one, although discussions are underway. While improbable, it is possible that all three wild cards could be allocated to the Grand Slam-winning trio of Murray, Wawrinka, and Djokovic.