Novak Djokovic has said that he is 'encouraged' heading into the French Open as he feels that he is playing some of the best tennis of his career.

The unconvincing form of nine-time champion Rafael Nadal means that Djokovic is widely considered the favourite for the Ronald Garros major.

"There is always a little bit of extra motivation for me coming into Roland Garros," the Serbian is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "It is obviously very encouraging knowing that I have won all of the big events from last October, and playing some of the best tennis in my life.

"Coming into Roland Garros with that amount of confidence helps, it encourages me to step on the court and compete. I have had this particular situation before, and especially in the last two years, where I was coming here and people were speculating, 'Is this the year or not?', thinking about how far I can go and whether I can win the title.

"I was very close a few times. I didn't manage to do it, but that doesn't discourage me to keep going. I'm here once again with a purpose, with a reason, and I will try to get myself in a position to win a trophy."

Djokovic plays Finland's Jarkko Nieminen, ranked number 83 in the world, in the first round.