French Open: Novak Djokovic is considering skipping grass season

Novak Djokovic has left his future open in the coming weeks after his surprising defeat against Marco Cecchinato in the quarter-finals of the French Open. In a hastily called press conference, which took place in the much smaller interview room two instead of the main hall at the Serbian’s request, he left grass court tournaments open.

“I can’t give you any answers. I don’t know what to say. I am speechless,” said a visibly disappointed Djokovic when asked what his plans for the coming days were.

He could not yet say whether he would compete on grass, he said. Djokovic had his last of 68 tournament victories in Eastbourne last year.

“This defeat is particularly bitter because I’ve been preparing for months,” the 31-year-old added. “I thought I had a great chance to take at least one more step. But it wasn’t supposed to be.”

It was Djokovic’s second successive quarter-final defeat in Paris. Last year he had to admit defeat to Dominic Thiem in three sets.

Despite the disappointment, the twelve-time Grand Slam winner emphasised his opponent’s performance: “He played outstandingly, I congratulate him for this great performance. It didn’t really seem as if the big stage would really impress him. “The semi-final is an outstanding result for him.”

Djokovic finds it difficult, however, that this result could be further improved in Thursday’s semi-final against Dominic Thiem: “Dominic is in great form, he’s the favourite of course, but you never know”.

The handshake after the defeat against Cecchinato was surprisingly generous. “It has never been hard for me to congratulate and embrace an opponent. We shared a great moment on the court. Marco is a great guy, he deserved to win. But when you get off the field, the result is hard to swallow.”