Why experts 'surprised' at Novak Djokovic attending PSG's UEFA Champions League celebrations night before Cameron Norrie clash at French Open
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Published 02/06/2025 at 13:18 GMT+1
Novak Djokovic decided to join the Paris Saint-Germain UEFA Champions League-winning celebrations at Parc des Princes on Sunday night, less than 24 hours before his fourth-round clash at the French Open. "Maybe he's not that concerned about playing Cam Norrie," suggested TNT Sports expert Tim Henman. Djokovic, 38, is in pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
McEnroe gives verdict on Djokovic v Norrie clash at French Open
Video credit: TNT Sports
Novak Djokovic made a trip from Roland-Garros to the Parc des Princes to join Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League-winning celebrations on the eve of his fourth-round French Open clash with Cameron Norrie.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner was seen inside the stadium on Sunday night, as PSG held a special event for supporters following an open-top bus parade through Paris.
Djokovic, fresh off the back of his third-round victory over Filip Misolic on Saturday, also posed for pictures with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the club’s president.
On Monday, he will go head-to-head with British No. 3 Cameron Norrie for a place in the quarter-finals.
"Maybe he’s not that concerned about playing Cam Norrie," suggested TNT Sports expert Tim Henman on the morning Courtside show.
"The PSG stadium is so close and the security cordons… it was a scene.
"So for you to be preparing in the middle of a Grand Slam, going for your 25th major, it’s his prerogative, but I certainly was surprised to see that he wanted to get into the middle of that.
"It’s not like he’s running around, but there’s the emotional energy of dealing with lots of people, lots of pictures… I think it’s something to look out for."
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Injury setbacks and a decline in performances have made 2025 a tough year for Norrie, but he has enjoyed an impressive run at Roland-Garros.
Djokovic boasts a 5–0 record over him from their previous encounters, but the Serbian believes Britain’s No. 3 is now "finding his best game".
He told TNT Sports: "He struggled a little bit with injuries, and then he has been finding his rhythm and his best level. I think he is right there now, lately he has been playing some great tennis.
"He is a great competitor, a great fighter. He always brings that energy on the court of never giving up."
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‘As good as I’ve felt in months’ – Djokovic sends ominous message out
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TNT Sports commentator John McEnroe believes there is "some hope" for Norrie, but admits Djokovic is the strong favourite.
He thinks the Brit will have to utilise his high levels of fitness if he is to have any chance on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Speaking on the Courtside show, he said: "Cam came into this tournament with, I’m guessing, about as little confidence as he’s had in a year or two.
"He was eight or nine in the world and I think he came in here at about 90 in the world, so that is a big drop for someone who had some credentials.
"This is huge to get here, so perhaps take the pressure off a little bit and he can just do his thing, and his thing is making you work — he’s one of the fittest guys on tour.
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Cameron Norrie - Jacob Fearnley - Roland Garros highlights
Video credit: TNT Sports
"He has to play super disciplined and really keep the unforced errors low. Hard to do against Djokovic for sure, because his forehand’s looking big and all he cares about, in my book, is the majors.
"This would be a huge upset if he were able to win this. I could see him winning a set, after that, it’s a big ask.
"Not that Novak’s not in great shape, but he’s 38, so that’s where the difference could be. That’s where I see he’d have a shot — if he can take it a long time."
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