"First time, ever we are in the same half, will be interesting" - says Djokovic on Roland-Garros draw

Novak Djokovic is currently in Belgrade waiting to play his Belgrade Open final later today but he saw the Roland-Garros draw and commented on it.

After Novak Djokovic defeated Andrej Martin in the Belgrade Open semifinals he held a post-match press conference and naturally the Serbian was asked about the Roland Garros draw. Interest in the draw peaked in 2021 because for the first time in a very long time, Nadal, Federer and Djokovic are in the same half of the draw. Only one can reach the final.

Djokovic's comment on the draw was:

"I saw the draw. It’s the first time, I think ever, where Roger, Rafa and myself are in the same half of the draw in any Grand Slam. It’s going to be very interesting for sure. Only one of us can make the final. I’m going to obviously do my best to be that guy who reaches the final match.”

Djokovic also gave an update on his tennis saying he is close to his peak:

“I’ve been building my form, and performance-wise I’ve been playing very close to where I want to be for Roland-Garros, I’m not concerned about anything, except for those few games and few letdowns that I had today. That should not happen tomorrow or in Paris, but if they happen they happen. What can you do?" 

Djokovic was also asked what he expects from the Roland Garros and he said:

“You have to take it step by step. You play every second day, and I have [as much] experience as Roger and Rafa, of course. We’ve been on the Tour many, many years and we know how to deal with these situations."

He also briefly commented on the possibility of playing Roger Federer in the quarterfinals:

“If it comes to the possible match-up between me and Roger in the quarter-finals, of course, it’s going to be a great thrill and a great challenge to play him. But it’s still a long way to go to that possible matchup.”