Djokovic heads to French Open on back of Geneva loss

Novak Djokovic’s final preparation for the French Open ended when he lost in the semi-finals of the Geneva Open to Czech world number 44 Tomas Machac.

World number one Djokovic, who turned 37 this week, was defeated 6-4, 0-6, 6-1.

The Serb has not reached a final in 2024 before beginning the defense of his French Open crown.

The Grand Slam clay court tournament begins at Roland Garros on Sunday.

Djokovic, who has won a record 24 major titles, entered Geneva to gain court time after a difficult start to the season by his standards.

After losing in the semifinals of the Australian Open to Italian Jannik Sinner, Djokovic was eliminated from Indian Wells in the round of 16.

He reached the semi-finals in Monte Carlo at the start of the clay court tour, but in his next appearance at the Italian Open, Djokovic was accidentally hit on the head by a metal water bottle after his first victory.

Two days later, he lost to Alejandro Tabilo of Chile, ranked 32nd.

Djokovic won his first match in Geneva against German Yannick Hanfmann, who beat Andy Murray in his first match, and defeated Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.

But he again looked out of sorts against Machac and also showed signs of physical discomfort in a one-sided decider.

Djokovic will begin his quest for a fourth French Open title on Monday or Tuesday against French wild card Pierre Hugues-Herbert.