Novak Djokovic: ATP Cup is ‘perfect preparation’ for Australian Open

Australian Open
Serbia ATP Cup squad Novak Djokovic, Dusan Lajovic, captain Nenad Zimonjic, Viktor Troicki and Nikola Milojevic

Playing energy sapping tennis in the build-up to a Grand Slam is not everyone’s cup of tea, but Novak Djokovic is hopeful his ATP Cup adventure will have a positive impact on his Australian Open campaign.

Whereas in previous years Djokovic played in either smaller tournaments or exhibition matches to get match fit for the first Grand Slam, this year he and most of the world’s other top players took part in the inaugural ATP Cup.

He ended up playing six singles rubbers and two doubles ties as he led Serbia to the title.

There are concerns that it will take its toll once the season-opening major gets underway, but the defending Australian Open champion is feeling good.

“It is the perfect preparation,” he said. “I didn’t know what to expect from the event.

“Obviously I didn’t know how deep we would go and I was hoping we would pass the group stages and see how it goes.

“But these kind of team competitions are really truly special and I’m personally over the cloud with my emotions, and hopefully I can take that positive energy and use it for Australian Open.”

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