World primary Novak Djokovic returns to motion within the second spherical of the Geneva Open this week when he takes on Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann at 5pm UK time on Wednesday.
Djokovic suffered a shock loss to Thirty second-ranked Alejandro Tabilo within the third spherical of the Internazionali d’Italia in Rome and left the Serb in search of extra clay-court video games forward of his title protection at Roland Garros.
He’ll attempt to get better in Geneva, the place he’ll make his match debut.
One other grass-roots competitors for Djokovic this season in Monte Carlo ended with a semi-final loss to Kasper Ruud.
Rudd, ranked seventh, will likely be looking for a 3rd title in Geneva after victories in 2021 and 2022.
Djokovic final performed in a match in Switzerland in October 2011, dropping to Kei Nishikori in Basel within the hometown semifinals of Roger Federer.
The 37-year-old heads the sector in Geneva, the place he will likely be chasing his 99th tour title, whereas third-seeded Taylor Fritz and fourth-seeded Ben Shelton are additionally in motion.
The Geneva Open has turn into probably the most prestigious ATP 250 match on the calendar, attracting 11 of the world’s prime 50 gamers.
What occurred to Murray and Draper?
Andy Murray’s reprieve from the match proved brief as he performed simply three video games earlier than dropping within the first spherical to Hanfman.
Murray was trailing the German by a set and a double break on Monday evening when an approaching storm pressured the gamers off the court docket and introduced the sport to an early finish.
And Hanfman received right down to enterprise underneath sunny skies on Tuesday lunchtime, needing simply 10 minutes to finish a 7-5 6-2 victory.
Murray now heads to Paris, the place he’ll play at Roland Garros for the primary time in 4 years.
Jack Draper additionally suffered defeat in Geneva, the eighth seed dropping 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 to Tomas Mahak of the Czech Republic.
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Sky Sports activities’ Tennis Workforce explains why Murray determined to vary rackets at such a late stage in his profession
Henman “shocked” Djokovic with the sport in Geneva
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Highlights from Novak Djokovic’s shock loss to Alejandro Tabilo on the Italian Open
“I am very shocked that Djokovic and Ruud are taking part in every week earlier than the French Open,” stated former British No. 1 Tim Henman. “However clearly Roland Garros is greatest of 5 units so that you wish to maintain the power stage at 100 per cent, however they clearly really feel they want extra matches.
“I do not essentially really feel that Djokovic must play extra, and Ruud reaching the ultimate in Monte Carlo and profitable in Barcelona is a shock. It exhibits that these guys need extra competitors.”
Annabelle Croft stated: “It’s kind of stunning as a result of numerous these prime gamers use the primary rounds to get into tennis. They must play large tennis and he is aware of easy methods to win matches. He can flip a change and make issues proper. He is again on observe this yr and he hasn’t gained a single recreation.
“Perhaps he went away and thought, ‘I wish to get just a little bit extra optimistic’ in regards to the French language, however what you do not need is numerous matches and bodily challenges. He is aware of his physique and thoughts higher, nevertheless it’s attention-grabbing.”
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In 2016, Andy Murray celebrated his twenty ninth birthday by defeating Novak Djokovic within the closing of the Rome Masters for probably the best match level in historical past
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