Novak Djokovic adds new tournament to schedule after skipping Italian Open

is set to return to the Geneva Open for the second consecutive year, in pursuit of his first clay court victory this season ahead of the French Open.

Geneva organisers announced on Friday that Djokovic will participate in the tournament running from May 17-24, serving as the final warmup event for players heading to Paris for Roland Garros.

Djokovic, currently ranked at No. 6 and chasing his 100th singles title on tour, has a disappointing 0-2 record in the European clay-court season following early exits at Monte Carlo and Madrid. He then pulled out of the Italian Open.

The Geneva lineup features world No. 4 Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud, the reigning champion who has claimed three of the last four titles at the lakeside park club.

Djokovic may once again celebrate his birthday in Geneva as he turns 38 on May 22.

Last year, he was ousted in the Geneva semi-finals by Tomas Machac, but managed to progress through four rounds in Paris.

He withdrew due to a knee injury before facing Ruud in the quarter-finals, resulting in the loss of his No. 1 ranking.