Tracy Austin backs rare Djokovic trait to be difference at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic is making his return to the ATP Tour at the Italian Open, marking his first appearance since March.

Djokovic’s last match came at Indian Wells, where he lost in the round of 16 to Jack Draper.

The Serb’s first match will be against either Marton Fucsovics or Dino Prizmic.

He’s using this ATP Masters 1000 event to get ready for Roland Garros, which begins later this month.

Tracy Austin highlights rare quality in Djokovic

Speaking to Tennis Channel about what Djokovic needs to do ahead of Roland Garros, Querrey was clear: “Nothing.

“This has kind of been the storyline for Novak the last two years. He’s taken these large chunks of time off, even before Australia this year, going back to the end of last year.

“Didn’t play, didn’t play, didn’t play a warm-up to Australia, and then what did he do? He made the final.”

Querrey added: “So I think for Novak, he’s probably the one player that it doesn’t matter that he doesn’t have a lot of matches coming into this event. I think he’s going to be just fine.”

Austin responded by pointing out how rare that kind of confidence is: “Yeah, there have been a few players in history – very few. I think Roger Federer was one; I think Serena [Williams] was one.

“And then I think Novak, for me, just at the top of my head. It’s amazing. Has won so many titles. What is he at? 101 titles?

“So to take that much time off, you think maybe he’s going to feel a little bit rusty. But he’s won here six times. He’s won Roland Garros three times.”

Austin continued: “I think everybody’s just really excited to have Novak back in the mix. And now that Carlos [Alcaraz] is not there – what could happen?”

Why Tracy Austin expects Novak Djokovic to have a strong Italian Open

Alcaraz is missing both events because of a wrist injury, having last faced Djokovic in the Australian Open final earlier this year.

The two players met in Melbourne, where Alcaraz won the title with a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 victory.

Despite limited action this year, Djokovic holds a strong record of seven wins from nine matches.

He’ll look to build on that in Rome, with potential early matchups including Ugo Humbert and Karen Khachanov following his likely opening round against Fucsovics.

Austin said: “These matches are important that he doesn’t have somebody really dangerous. You don’t think you see anybody really kind of that can come out of their socks.”

“Because even though you haven’t played in six weeks – Novak hasn’t played since Indian Wells – where he lost to Jack Draper. He’s only played two tournaments all year. This is a tournament it seems like he can work his way in.

“And even if you’ve won it that many times, I think with each match he’s going to feel more comfortable.”

Querrey added: “He’s on the opposite side of Sinner. I think that was the big question mark when the draw comes out, which side are you going to be on, right?

“Can he get to the final without having to face Sinner. Yes, he can. And now having said that, there’s some great players – Musetti, Khachanov, Zverev – there’s some guys he’s going to have to get through if he’s going to make the final.

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