World No 1 Novak Djokovic faces Andy Murray’s conqueror Yannick Hanfmann at Geneva Open | Tennis Information

World No 1 Novak Djokovic returns to motion within the second spherical of this week’s Geneva Open when he takes on German Yannick Hanfmann on Wednesday not earlier than 5pm UK time.

Djokovic suffered an surprising loss to Thirty second-ranked Alejandro Tabilo within the third spherical of the Internazionali d’Italia in Rome and left the Serbian on the lookout for extra video games on clay earlier than defending his title at Roland Garros.

He’ll attempt to get again on observe in Geneva, the place he’s making his event debut.

Djokovic’s different clay occasion this season at Monte Carlo resulted in a loss to Casper Ruud within the semi-finals.

The seventh-ranked Ruud will search a 3rd Geneva title after wins in 2021 and 2022.

Djokovic final performed a event in Switzerland in October 2011, dropping in Basel to Kei Nishikori within the semi-finals of Roger Federer’s hometown occasion.

The 37-year-old leads the sector in Geneva the place he’ll chase his 99th tour-level title, whereas third seed Taylor Fritz and fourth seed Ben Shelton are additionally enjoying.

The Geneva Open has turn out to be probably the most prestigious ATP 250 event within the calendar, attracting 11 of the world’s high 50 gamers.

What occurred to Murray and Draper?

Andy Murray’s reprieve on the event proved a quick one as he performed simply three video games earlier than dropping within the first spherical to Hanfmann.

Murray had trailed the German by a set and a double break on Monday night when impending storms despatched the gamers from the courtroom and introduced play to an early finish.

And Hanfmann took care of enterprise underneath sunny skies on Tuesday lunchtime, needing barely 10 minutes to wrap up a 7-5 6-2 victory.

Murray now departs for Paris the place he’s set to play at Roland Garros for the primary time in 4 years.

There was additionally defeat in Geneva for Jack Draper, with the eighth seed dropping out 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 to Czech Tomas Machac.

Henman ‘shocked’ Djokovic enjoying Geneva

“I am very surprised Djokovic and Ruud are playing a week before the start of the French Open,” mentioned former British No 1 Tim Henman. “But obviously Roland Garros is the best of five sets so you want to keep your energy levels at 100 per cent but they obviously feel as though they need more matches.

“I do not essentially really feel like Djokovic must play any extra and Ruud made the ultimate in Monte-Carlo and gained Barcelona – it’s a shock. It goes to point out that these guys need extra competitors.”

Annabel Croft said: “It is barely bizarre as a result of loads of these high gamers use the early rounds as their manner in. It is loads of tennis they should play and he is aware of tips on how to win matches. He can flick a change and get it proper again on observe. He is simply performed rather a lot much less tennis this 12 months and he is coming in with out a single win.

“Maybe he’s gone away and thought ‘I want to get a bit more positive about it’ going into the French but what you don’t want is a massive amount of matches and physical issues. He knows his body and his mind better, but it’s an interesting one.”

What’s arising on Sky Sports activities Tennis?

Within the run-up to the second Grand Slam of 2024 – the French Open at Roland Garros from Might 26 – you may watch all the greatest tennis stars in motion stay on Sky Sports activities as they compete throughout the clay-court season.

• Geneva Open (ATP 250 with Djokovic in motion) – Might 20-25
• Lyon Open (ATP 250) – Might 20-25
• Internationaux de Strasbourg (WTA 500) – Might 20-25
• Morocco Open (WTA 250) – Might 20-25

Watch the WTA and ATP Excursions all through 2024 on Sky Sports activities Tennis. Stream Sky Sports activities Tennis and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.