WATCH: Novak Djokovic chucks tennis balls at Hamad Medjedovic, plays petanque & more to entertain French Open fans

Novak Djokovic has a bit of fun after practice (Source: GETTY)
Novak Djokovic has a bit of fun after practice (Source: GETTY)

Novak Djokovic is gearing up for his 2024 French Open campaign in style. The Serb let his hair down for a game of petanque after his practice session with fellow countryman Hamad Medjedovic at the Roland Garros Stade on Saturday (May 25).

Djokovic arrives at this year's Claycourt Major in less-than-ideal form. The 24-time Major champion has yet to win an ATP title in 2024. Having recently turned 37, he also recorded underwhelming results during the European claycourt swing. He was bundled out in the semifinals of the Monte-Carlo Masters, and the Geneva Open. He also exited the Italian Open in the third round.

Novak Djokovic can't be counted out just yet, though. The Serb doesn't appear to be under much pressure, going by the scenes from his practice session on the terre battue on Saturday (May 25). The defending champion traded hits with World No. 135 Hamad Medjedovic, before enjoying a game of petanque with his team members and the youngster.

Medjedovic, who famously received backing from Djokovic when he was starting on the pro tour, seemingly lost the game to his older countryman. The 20-year-old had to then stand at the farther end of the court, as the World No. 1 and his team targeted him with balls as penance.

Watch the video below:

The top seed was joined in the pre-tournament practice by fitness coach Gebhard Gritsch, who has joined forces with his former ward for the 2024 French Open. The Austrian worked with the Serb in 2009-19 and will replace Marco Panichi in his camp.


A look into Novak Djokovic's path to the final at French Open 2024

2024 French Open - Previews
2024 French Open - Previews

Novak Djokovic is bidding to win an elusive 'Triple Career Grand Slam' in Paris this fortnight. With his triumph, the Serb will break the Open-era record for most Major titles won by a man and a woman.

The World No. 1 will play his opener against local favourite Pierre Hugues-Herbert. He is then projected to face the winner between Constant Lestienne and Roberto Carballes Baen in the next round, before likely taking on 30th-seeded Lorenzo Musetti for a place in the second week at the 2024 French Open.

The 24-time Major winner can then face either 14th-seeded Tommy Paul or 23rd-seeded Francisco Cerundolo for a place in the last eight. He might run into last year's semifinalist Alexander Zverev, fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev, or even the unseeded Rafael Nadal, in the semifinals.

If the 37-year-old manages to reach his eighth career final on the terre battue, he will likely face either Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner for the title. He will be eager to win the Roland Garros title, as his World No. 1 spot is also up for grabs.

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Edited by Pritha Ghosh
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