Mind Games

Roland Garros is underway and the big story (once again) is Novak Djokovic's quest to complete the Career Slam. An inaugural title run in Paris would be made extra special as Novak would also hold all four major titles, a feat he can completely call his own when compared to his legendary contemporaries in Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. As it has been for the last several years, there will be a lot of eyes and tons of pressure on Novak to finally check this last Grand Slam box.

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The lead-up to this year's French Open has not been a particularly glowing one for Nole. He was lackadaisical and mostly listless in his stunning defeat at the hands of Jiri Vesely in Monte Carlo, and though he won Madrid relatively free of great drama, he was cantankerous and, at times, downright volatile throughout his entire Rome campaign and went down rather meekly, if not quietly, to a now formidable clay court threat in Andy Murray. 

After the uproar regarding his behavior at the Italian Open calmed down, questions about the state of the World No. 1 began to surface. Was the unbreakable Djokovic cracked? Are the yet-to-be-exorcised demons of previous French Opens rearing their heads to terrorize Novak during this most critical juncture of his season?

We can't really answer those queries until we see him play under pressure in Paris. For the time being, however, let's consider these:

1. Novak Djokovic is well-aware of what is at stake at Roland Garros. He's been through this many times at this point. Anxiety is nearly the only emotion he knows when it comes to this damn tournament, meaning he is well-aware of how to navigate his feelings.
2. Novak understands that he cannot come to Paris with any negative energy. Mental preparation is an edge he has over everyone else in the game today. I would bet that he purposely attempted to leave all his doubts, fears, and worries at the Foro Italico so he is able to arrive at the French Open with clarity.
3. Novak is still, far and away, the best player on the planet. When he is playing well, there isn't anyone who can touch him. Rafa can attest to that given their match in Doha. Andy experienced peak Nole for a set in Melbourne. They know that they must bring their absolute best and hope that Djokovic is suboptimal when he faces either one of them. Granted, both Nadal and Murray are playing better tennis than they were in January, but Novak should feel comfort in knowing he has beaten both in succession here in Paris last year (and he must be further comforted knowing there won't be another match after should he pull off the feat again this year!).
4. Most relevant of all in my opinion, Novak has a really good draw. He easily dispatched Rendy Lu in the first round, and the rest of his path seems quite unobstructed through to the semifinals. If all goes accordingly, he should find himself in the final weekend with plenty of physical and mental gas left in the tank.

Every year something happens to Novak in this damn tournament. Whether it be losing his balance into the net on a crucial point, an unsettled stomach on finals Sunday, or unfortunately timed weather suspensions, the unknown is Djokovic's biggest threat to Roland Garros glory. Still, I have faith that, just this one time, fate will be kind to Nole throughout the entire two weeks and he will finally win this goddamn tournament. Goddamnit.