Novak Djokovic might have low expectations for himself in the French Open, but bettors don't

Novak Djokovic is the No. 1-ranked player in the world, the reigning French Open champion and a top-two favorite at +350 to win the tournament again this year. But none of that seems to be inspiring his own confidence in his ability to win a fourth Roland Garros title.

Djokovic told reporters Sunday he has “low expectations and high hopes” for the French Open. Expanding further, he admitted to being embarrassed by his lowered expectations.

“Anything but a title for me is not satisfactory,” Djokovic, 37, said at his pre-tournament press conference. “It always has been like that. … That’s why my hopes and goals are always the same. But I have to lower the expectations.”

Djokovic met the press today here at #RolandGarros.

"I have low expectations and high hopes".

"I have been saying for a while that in terms of clay I want to peak here in Paris, in Roland Garros. Last year I had an amazing year and hopefully I can have a great tournament."

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) May 26, 2024

Novak's press conference from #rolandgarros today (1/2). On the question of "low expectations, high hopes" pic.twitter.com/pxoujVuUT8

— दिविर जैन (@divirj04) May 26, 2024

If you’re curious why Djokovic might be lowering expectations, it’s because he hasn’t performed up to his high standard this year. He hasn’t won a single title in 2024, going 14-6 over the six tournaments he’s played, including a semifinal exit from the Australian Open in January.

Bettors, though, aren’t shying away from the all-time career Grand Slam leader. At BetMGM, Djokovic has attracted the highest ticket percentage at 12.7% and the highest handle percentage at 32.4%.

Tournament favorite Carlos Alcaraz (+275) is second in ticket percentage at 11.7% and third in money at 8.6%, with Alexander Zverev (+600) attracting the third most bets at 9.9% and second-most money at 13.9%.