Novak Djokovic reveals why he has been struggling ahead of Madrid Open return
Novak Djokovic is back on a Masters 1000 stage this week at the Madrid Open, but he has admitted he is struggling to find his best form after a chaotic start to 2022.
The world No 1 has played only three events this year after missing the Australian Open, Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open due to his non-vaccinated Covid status.
Now the 20-time Grand Slam champion has questions to answer as he looks to hit top form ahead of the French Open and he has admitted he is struggling mentally on court.
“The challenge is definitely more on the mental and emotional side,” he revealed.
“Of course, I have never experienced anything similar to what I experienced early this season and I did not know how that’s going to affect me.
“It obviously still – you know, I still have to deal with it to some extent. It’s not as powerful that it was in the first two, three months of the year.
“I feel like the more I play, the more I’m in this environment, the more comfortable I feel.”
Djokovic will open his Madrid campaign against Gael Monfils in the second round on Tuesday and he will look to build on the momentum he gathered at the Serbia Open where he finished runner-up to Andrey Rublev.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”