Djokovic takes Geneva wildcard before French Open

Novak Djokovic has taken a wildcard to play the upcoming Geneva Open as he looks to find form and match fitness before the French Open.

Djokovic, who is aiming for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title in Paris, pulled out of this week’s Italian Open.

The 37-year-old Serb has lost his past three matches after early exits at clay-court events in Monte Carlo and Madrid last month.

Djokovic did not give a reason for missing the ATP Masters tournament in Rome – where he is a six-time champion.

It has been a patchy season by Djokovic’s high standards.

A positive start saw him reach the Australian Open semi-finals, although he had to pull out injured against Germany’s Alexander Zverev after losing the first set.

The world number six, who turns 38 this month, lost three matches in a row on his comeback before rediscovering form at the Miami Open.

However, he was overwhelmed by powerful Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the final, costing him another chance to win his 100th ATP title.

Overall, he has won 12 of his 19 matches this season and hopes to improve that record in Geneva.

Last year, Djokovic reached the semi-finals on his first appearance in the Swiss city.

He went on to reach the Roland Garros quarter-finals, but had to withdraw from his last-eight match against Casper Ruud with a knee injury picked up in the previous round.

Norway’s Ruud, who beat Britain’s Jack Draper in the Madrid final on Sunday, is also in this year’s Geneva field, along with American world number four Taylor Fritz.