Despite having just finished a week without adding a title to his list, Novak Djokovic is optimistic about the level of his game as the French Open approaches.
World number one Djokovic has yet to lift a trophy in 2022 as he seeks to restore the look of his best days, after being banned from the Australian Open because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19.
On Saturday, in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open, Djokovic lost in three sets against young sensation Carlos Alcaraz. The Serb is hoping for a second consecutive final after losing to Andrey Rublev in Serbia last month.
Despite the setback against Alcaraz, Djokovic said he left Madrid in good spirits as he prepares for the French Open, where he will defend his title.
There is no doubt that I played very good tennis, the best I have played this yearsaid Djokovic. Chances are when the defeat setback in this game is over, a lot of positives will be removed this week.
Djokovic said he felt he could snatch the victory from his 19 -year -old rival – one of the hottest players on the ATP Tour – if he found out. enjoy it when it counts during this duel which lasted more than three and a half hours in the central court of Caja Magica.
I have many opportunitieshe examines. This is an amazing game. A great fight.
The Madrid Open is only the fourth tournament for Djokovic in 2022, and his third on clay. He lost to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his first match in Monte Carlo, the only Masters 1000-level tournament he has played so far.
Djokovic has not played in Indian Wells or Miami. He travels to Rome this week with a record eight wins and four losses in 2022, including the victory that came after Andy Murray left Madrid due to stomach aches.
Djokovic started his tournament in the Spanish capital by beating French Gaël Monfils in two sets. Then, he easily got Hubert Hurkacz’s size in two sets in the quarterfinals.
After his duel against Monfils, the 34-year-old Serb said he delivered his best performance of the year, because he felt, until then, he hadn’t played well and he lacked rhythm in some tournaments. he participated in.
Djokovic reached the quarter-finals in the only tournament he entered, in Dubai in February. He lost to Jiri Vesely.
Now the goal is to prepare to succeed at the French Open, where he will seek a third title in the race.
I think it’s heading in the right direction. No doubtdid he declare.
Source: Radio-Canada