Novak Djokovic’s participation in the ATP World Tour 250 in Belgrade could not end in the best way, since he lost the final against Andrey Rublev (1-2). This was the first direct duel for a ‘Nole’ trophy in the 2022 season and, after running out of chances to celebrate in the company of his people at home, he revealed his feelings about what he experienced in this competition.
“I take the positive part, to dispute the decisive match for the title in front of my public. It was unfortunate, because in the third set I ran out of energy. I couldn’t keep fighting”, explained the number one in the ATP ranking, who fell with partials of 2-6; 7-6 and 0-6.
“Congratulations to Andrey (ATP: 8), who has played a magnificent week, he is one of the best athletes in the world for a reason. He could easily lose in the first round. After four three-set battles, what I see is that I am tired, but at the same time satisfied to come this far”, added ‘Djoker’.
In the same way, Novak made a positive analysis for his future, especially with a view to Roland Garros. “This will help me to continue with the land tour. I didn’t like the sensations at the end of the second set or in the third (he fell 0-6). It was similar to what happened to me in Monte Carlo”, highlighted ‘Nole’.
“The wear and tear is probably related to the illness I’ve recently had, which I won’t go into detail about. Luckily, these bad impressions came in the fourth game, not the first. Things are progressing, slowly, but positively. Paris is the main target, I hope to get fit to fight in the best of five”, said the Serbian tennis player.
“I am improving physically, playing three sets. It’s worrying to have this feeling on the track, particularly as I haven’t had it for many years. I’ve always seen myself as one of the fittest players on tour, so it’s not a problem with my body.Novak Djokovic said.