It’s a ‘long shot’, but Novak Djokovic feels he has a ‘good chance to go all the way’ at Roland Garros
He is disappointed not have won the Italian Open, but Novak Djokovic says his performances in Rome have given in a “good sensation” ahead of Roland Garros.
The world No 1 took on his great rival Rafael Nadal in their 57th meeting on the ATP Tour and, after fighting back after losing the first set, Djokovic came up short in the decider as the Spaniard won 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 to secure a 10th title in the Italian city.
MAGNIFICO!
Courtside for the moment @RafaelNadal won a 10th (!) Rome title 😍 pic.twitter.com/U0dvjRK1CV
ā Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 16, 2021
Although he didn’t get the trophy, the 18 time Grand Slam winner says his high levels the past week, which saw him save a match point against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-final and follow it up with a three-set win over Lorenzo Sonego in the semi-final, gives him confidence ahead of the French Open.
“[We played] almost three hours of high-quality tennis,” he said. “Of course I’m disappointed not to win it, but at the same time I’m very pleased with the level of tennis that I managed to find in the later stages of this tournament.
“Going into Paris brings me good sensation. I actually now [am starting] to feel like I actually want to feel on clay. So I think if I manage to play the way I played last night and today, I think I have a good chance to go all the way in Paris.”
He added: “Of course it’s a long shot.”
Congratulations to Rafa. Still exciting to meet in the finals 💪🏼
Grazie mille a tutti! Thank you everyone for your support in Rome! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6IN09QEqA1
ā Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) May 16, 2021
The 33-year-old will take a breather from competitive tennis this week before switching focus to the Belgrade Open next week with the clay-court season culminating in the French Open the week after.
“Iām going to rest as much as I can, because I had enough time with the racket on the court. So I’m just going to rejuvenate, regroup, and then start training again some days before the start of the Belgrade Open,” he said.
“I’m hoping I can go all the way there, playing at home. Most likely we are going to see the crowd in the stands, so that’s going to be fantastic to feed off that energy, to go to Paris with good feelings on the court, off the court, spend some time with the family additionally, which I wouldn’t get if I go earlier to Paris.
“I have to obviously keep the momentum going I feel with the quality of tennis. Do more training, of course, and [play a] few more matches. I think I’m on the right way. Actually, the past couple days really gave me the confidence boost for the clay. I found the game. So now I just have to maintain that level and peak in Paris.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
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.”