Bookmakers lengthen Djokovic’s French Open odds after Geneva loss

Novak Djokovic’s attempt to play himself into form ahead of the French Open has backfired, with the world No.1 crashing out of the Geneva Open on Friday at the hands of the unseeded Tomas Machac.

Djokovic lost 6-4, 0-6, 6-1 to the 23-year-old, and will now head to Roland-Garros having not made a final yet in 2024. The Serbian looked worryingly shaky again in Geneva, setting off alarm bells ahead of his title defence in the year’s second Grand Slam.

Physical concerns for Djokovic against Machac

Taking a wildcard into the ATP 250 event in Geneva this week was supposed to be an easy win for Djokovic. He was by far the biggest name at the tournament, and Neds had him as a heavy favourite to waltz to the title.

Machac had different ideas on Friday, however, with the world No.44 powering his way past an unsteady looking Djokovic in three sets.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion struggled with his second serve in the match, earning only 34 percent of points on his second delivery. In response, Machac was brutal, taking significant cuts at every opportunity on return.

Djokovic also appeared breathless at times between points and performing well below his usual level during the encounter. After the opening set, the tournament doctor was required to treat the Serb.

He briefly came right, bageling Machac in the second set, before fading again and losing the final six games of the match to crash out of Geneva.

How this loss affects Djokovic’s French Open chances

Prior to his loss in Geneva, tennis bookies had Djokovic as the second favourite (+300) to win Roland-Garros next week.

While he still maintains that position at the top bookmakers, odds for the defending champion to win in Paris have lengthened now, with most paying between +333 and +375.

Djokovic himself shares their concerns, saying after his loss:

“Of course I am worried, I haven’t been playing good at all this year.

“I don’t consider myself a favourite there,” he continued, speaking on his chances at the French Open. “I’m going to take it match by match and see how far I can go,” he added.

To begin his Roland-Garros campaign, Djokovic will face 33-year-old French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert in round one. He’s slated to meet two-time finalist Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals, and could face world No.4 Alexander Zverev in the final four.

The tournament begins this Sunday, May 26, with a champion being crowned 15 days later on Sunday, June 9.

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