When you play against Novak Djokovic several times, you see he can be beaten: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

Spanish tennis player Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is of the opinion that when you have played against Novak Djokovic enough times, you start to view him as just another player who can be defeated.

Djokovic was bested by Davidovich Fokina the last time they met, at the 2022 Monte-Carlo Masters. Back then the Serb was returning after a nearly five-month hiatus after skipping the Australian Open because of his Covid-19 vaccination stance. Davidovich Fokina held his nerve to beat Djokovic, 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1 in just under three hours at the Monte-Carlo Country Club.

The World No. 3 has a 5-3 win-loss record on clay in 2023, and is up 2-1 in his head-to-head against Davidovich Fokina. The two players will clash in the third round of the 2023 French Open on Friday, June 3, on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Ahead of the match, Davidovich Fokina confessed that playing against the legend can be "intimidating." But he also claimed that once you’ve played him enough, you figure out that he’s just another player you can overcome.

The Spaniard added that you have to not let fear get the better of you and instead take the fight to him.

“Of course, he’s quite intimidating, but when you play against him several times, you see that he is another player who can be beaten. You can’t be afraid, you have to take it to him,” Davidovich Fokina told ATP in an interview.

Davidovich Fokina further acknowledged that Djokovic was always capable of competing at a high level and that he was one of the most complete and resilient players around. The Spaniard further claimed that while Djokovic would come in with the intention of winning, he himself had the self-belief to put up a fight.

“He’s a complete player, and he’s capable of playing at a very high level, definitely one of the toughest opponents you could meet in the third round. I know that he will prepare well with the intention of winning, but I believe in myself,” Davidovich Fokina said.

Win over Novak Djokovic at Monte-Carlo won’t be a factor in Paris, says Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

2023 French Open

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Novak Djokovic will take on each other with a spot in the fourth round of the 2023 French Open at stake. The Spaniard feels that his third-round triumph over the Serb in Monte-Carlo last year doesn't give him an edge going into the match in Paris.

Putting that win into context, Davidovich Fokina said he was aided by an off-color Djokovic last April. Getting the better of the former World No. 1 at a Grand Slam will be a different challenge altogether as Djokovic is known to thrive in the five-set environment.

Referring to him as a "legend," Davidovich Fokina remarked that it would be an honor to face the 22-time Major winner and also to return to Court Philippe-Chatrier.

“We all know what Djokovic is like. He’s a legend. Playing against him will be an honor, as will returning to [Court] Philippe-Chatrier,” Davidovich Fokina said.

The Serb, now in his 18th consecutive third round at Roland Garros, will look to seal an 88th victory on Friday, June 2. Meanwhile Davidovich Fokina, who was a quarter-finalist here in 2021, is after his eighth.