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Novak Djokovic French Open 2021
Tennis News

Djokovic ready for action


It has been a year of upheaval and uncertainty for Djokovic, but he believes the appointment of Andre Agassi as his coach is the beginning of a new chapter. In his pre-tournament press conference, the 12-time Grand Slam winner said: ā€œWe all felt in my former team that we needed a change and to go our separate ways, so right now I feel much better on the court.

“He [Agassi]Ā is someone that inspires me a lot and thatā€™s one of the things I felt like I needed – a new inspiration and someone that knows exactly what Iā€™m going through. On the court, off the court, he has been through all these transitions and he has been in my shoes before.ā€

Rafael Nadalā€™s bid for La Decima – an unprecedented 10th Roland Garros title – will begin against Benoit Paire. ā€œIt’s true that since the beginning of the season, I am happy with the way that I played. I think I played well in almost every event that I have been in,” said the confidentĀ 30-year-old.

ā€œI think I recovered a couple of things I missed, especially in 2015. Iā€™m playing well with my forehand again and Iā€™m moving well, but being healthy is the key.ā€

There are a number of other intriguing menā€™s matches scheduled, but Alexander Zverev against Fernando Verdasco is the pick of the bunch.

Garbine Muguruza is also involved in the action as she begins her title defence. ā€œI will try to face it as a normal tournament, even if I will feel more pressure and responsibility,ā€ said the Spaniard. ā€œIt’s a Grand Slam, I want to do well. I already have this trophy and I want to win it again. It will be very tough and I will try to play as many matches as possible.ā€

Her opponent, 2010 winner Francesca Schiavone, will retire this year but she will not want to say her farewells in Paris just yet.

A match that will garner plenty of local attention involves Kristina Mladenovic. The talented Frenchwoman has found her groove this year and she looks ready to make an impact at a major. Her first round opponent is Jennifer Brady from the United States.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.