Novak Djokovic began the season on a excessive by reaching one other Grand Slam closing on the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic feels he’s a ‘completely different participant’ on the Majors – and may go the space with anybody (Picture: ATP Media)
Novak Djokovic has returned to competitors in Indian Wells, his first match since he got here painstakingly near successful a file twenty fifth Grand Slam title. Djokovic reached his first Main closing in 18 months on the Australian Open and took the primary set over Carlos Alcaraz earlier than struggling a 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 defeat to the Spaniard. It was nonetheless a robust match for the 38-year-old, who took out two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in a gruelling, five-set semi-final.
Now again at an everyday ATP Tour occasion for the primary time since early November, Djokovic has defined simply how particular that Australian Open run was, as he admitted he was a “completely different participant” when it got here to the 4 Grand Slam tournaments.
“I had an excellent low season block of making ready my physique, my psychological aspect, and actually doing all the pieces I probably can so as to construct in order that I may arrive to Melbourne at 100 per cent, no matter 100 per cent is for me for the time being. I haven’t been in a position to win towards Alcaraz and Sinner in Grand Slams in ‘25, however I reached semis of each Grand Slam after which misplaced to them, so it was fairly an important expertise for me to beat Jannik in 5 units and be a part of one of the outstanding matches I used to be a part of, actually actually, notably these days in any Grand Slam,” Djokovic advised ATP Media.
“After which [to] play one other shut match with Carlos, who was simply too good ultimately. However general, wonderful begin of the 12 months, finals of Australian Open with not many tournaments in any respect, however I feel it’s additionally Grand Slams that basically evoke this type of motivation for me.”
Djokovic will flip 39 this 12 months, however over the previous 12 months, he’s nonetheless been the third-best participant on the Majors behind Alcaraz and Sinner. And after getting a giant win over the world No. 2 in Melbourne, he nonetheless believes he can go toe-to-toe with anybody over the prolonged, best-of-five set format.
He added: “It’s like after I stroll out in Grand Slams, I’m form of like a distinct participant, to be sincere. I put together myself higher than another match. I really like taking part in additionally greatest of 5, despite the fact that issues are completely different bodily these days, however nonetheless, I really feel like I’m snug going the space with whoever. It was nice.”
Carlos Alcaraz got here from a set right down to beat Novak Djokovic within the Australian Open closing (Picture: Getty)
Djokovic will now need to return to best-of-three-set matches in Indian Wells. The world No. 3 is a five-time former champion within the Californian desert, however he’s not even made it to the quarter-finals since his final title win right here in 2016.
“I’m proud, in fact I’m. I’m placing in a whole lot of time and effort into attempting to take care of my physique and clearly nonetheless have that motivation to compete on the highest stage. Indian Wells has all the time been one of many favorite tournaments, favorite places to return to, for me and I feel for a lot of different gamers,” the third seed stated.
“‘Tennis Paradise’, deservedly named that manner, we see why. Persons are so respectful and keen about tennis right here, and you may really feel that at each step, whether or not it’s follow courts, whether or not you’re taking part in. And that’s the form of spirit that will get you going. There’s all the time a gaggle of tournaments which might be your favorite ones, and for me, positively Indian Wells is considered one of them.
“So completely happy to be right here, 20 years [since my debut], sure! 10 years since my final title right here in 2016. I had some nice, nice years, as one of the profitable tournaments I had within the first 10 years of my profession. The final 10 years, I haven’t had an important end result however I carry on coming again and attempting it as soon as extra.”
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