Novak Djokovic fights against injury before the French Open.

Novak Djokovic faces dark clouds at Roland Garros: a mysterious injury threatens his dream of a 25th Grand Slam

The atmosphere in Paris is becoming tense for Novak Djokovic, the tennis phenomenon with 24 Grand Slam titles to his name. Despite showing his usual fighting spirit by turning around a tough match against young Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round of the French Open, the reality is that a persistent injury could jeopardize the Serbian’s ambitions at the year’s second Major.

Djokovic, whose preparation for Roland Garros has clearly been affected, revealed that he has been dealing with an “ongoing” physical issue that has limited his recent participation, having played only one match at the Masters in Rome before arriving in Paris. The lingering question is about the nature of this injury, which he has not detailed, but which became evident when, at the end of the second set against Perricard, he removed his shirt to reveal a strong bandage on his right shoulder — a clear sign that this may be the epicenter of his discomfort.

Greg Rusedski, the former British number 1 and current coach of the young French player who nearly surprised Djokovic, praised the Serbian’s resilience but issued a clear warning: “I saw him during the warm-up and he was feeling some shoulder issues. The physiotherapist was trying to resolve the situation, and that affected his serve, which was less powerful at the start, although the accuracy was remarkable. We did everything we could to pressure him, and we almost took the set to a tie-break, but he raised his level in the following sets. It’s impressive how he can overcome these adversities.”

The path for Djokovic in Paris promises to be a true battle. His journey in the draw includes heavyweight opponents, such as Jannik Sinner, who has already proven to be a thorn in the side for many on the circuit. Rusedski anticipates complex challenges: “After the second round, Djokovic is expected to face a tough test against Joao Fonseca in the third. The conditions are extreme — intense heat and humidity — and that could be decisive. We saw Sinner struggling with cramps in Rome and Shanghai, and this weather in Paris doesn’t make life easy for anyone. I believe Sinner could play in night sessions to avoid the heat, and right now he is one of the top favorites.”

For the Serbian champion, time is ticking and the opportunity for a full recovery seems limited. The possibility of clinching the 25th Grand Slam title, which would further elevate him to legend status, is now shrouded in uncertainty due to this physical discomfort. His ability to manage pain and maintain competitive rhythm will be crucial for the outcome of his campaign at Roland Garros.

As the tennis world watches closely, Novak Djokovic faces his greatest fight both on and off the court: to overcome an unrelenting opponent while simultaneously battling the injury that threatens to thwart his Parisian dream. The journey promises excitement, drama, and certainly many unforgettable chapters.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.