Novak Djokovic's disappointing start to 2024 has not stopped Serena Williams' ex-coach, Rick Macci, from tipping him to win it all on the clay courts in France.
Djokovic started his season by losing comprehensively to the eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semifinal before suffering a shocking defeat to Luca Nardi in Indian Wells last month.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is seeking to get back on track during the clay court season. He may hope to use the mentality that his ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic described of it being him against the world.
Despite his recent struggles, there was some good recent news for the Serbian. Djokovic became the oldest No. 1 player in the history of the ATP rankings, which is yet another extraordinary achievement from the 36-year-old.
There is a debate among many tennis fans at the moment about whether Djokovic could now decline as Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz continue to rise. But Djokovic has proven people wrong so many times and Macci is one of those who does not think this will happen.
In a post on his X page, Macci said he thinks Djokovic will win it all on the French clay. But he also stated this depends on Djokovic being healthy and not succumbing to injuries as his great rival Rafael Nadal has in recent months.
"Depending on his health the JOKER [Novak Djokovic] is my pick Today to win it all on the French Red Clay."
It will be fascinating to observe Djokovic's level during the clay court season. His poor form and Alcaraz and Sinner's rise do not change the fact that he is the defending French Open champion and one of the best clay court players the sport has ever seen.
The Serbian may also be out to prove his doubters wrong, which is often when he is at his most dangerous.