Novak Djokovic has low expectations, high hopes for French Open - ESPN

PARIS — Novak Djokovic said he has «low expectations and high hopes» for the French Open as he seeks to win his 25th Grand Slam men's singles title at Roland Garros.

Reigning champion Djokovic comes to Paris with the billing as one of the tournament favorites but has suffered six defeats this season in 20 matches.

He reached the semifinal of the Australian Open, but after a tricky clay-court season, he said he was «worried» about his form after a semifinal defeat to Tomas Machac in Geneva on Friday. He said after that loss: «I haven't played well at all this year, apart from a few matches here and there. I don't see myself as a favorite in Paris.»

At his pre-tournament news conference Sunday, he said he was trying to focus day by day as he seeks to improve his form. And having said he had «low expectations» for the next fortnight, he then elaborated on those feelings.

«It's tough to talk about. It's very subjective,» Djokovic said. «You know, I almost feel a bit embarrassed to say what my expectations are. You know, anything but a title for me is not satisfactory, you know. So, it always has been like that. I know, you know, it might sound arrogant to a lot of people, but I think I have the career that backs it up.

»In a way, me playing still at this highest level, one of the major reasons is trying to, you know, write more history of the sport and win the biggest titles that, you know, Paris is definitely one of them.

«So that's why my hopes and goals are always the same, but I have to lower the expectations. When I say that I mean, you know, maybe not thinking too much ahead in advance in terms of the tournament and who I might face in the later rounds, but really taking it day by day, step by step, and really building