Novak Djokovic confesses what he was ‘not happy’ about in ATP finals opener

Ewan West
Novak Djokovic at the 2023 ATP Finals
Novak Djokovic reacts at the 2023 ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic has admitted he was “not happy” about breaking his rackets during his win over Holger Rune in his opening match at the 2023 ATP Finals. 

The Serbian admitted smashing rackets can release tension, but stressed there are “maybe smarter ways to let go of the frustration” during matches.

Djokovic defeated world No 10 Holger Rune in a tough three-set battle in his opening match at the ATP Finals in Turin on Sunday night.

The 36-year-old destroyed two rackets in frustration after double faulting twice in a game to lose his serve early in the third set.

The world No 1 is seeking a record seventh title at the year-end championships, having beaten Casper Ruud in the final at last year’s edition to win the tournament for the first time since 2015. He currently shares the record of six triumphs at the event with Roger Federer.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion will take on world No 4 Jannik Sinner in his second match in the Green Group, before facing Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Speaking following his victory against Rune, Djokovic was asked if breaking rackets was something useful that helped players reset.

“I mean, some people are saying that – if you want to use that word ‘pragmatic’ – for me to do that because then I can release whatever tension I’m holding and frustration and move on, maybe that was the case tonight,” said the Serbian.

“But I wouldn’t encourage anybody doing that. Neither do I encourage myself. I’m not happy. I’m not happy with that. I definitely don’t like that I have done that, but I have done it and that is it and I have to take responsibility.

“Yeah, I guess in some cases it has happened in the past where I do that and come back playing more freely, I guess, just letting go. There are different ways, maybe smarter ways to let go of the frustration than breaking a racquet (smiling).”

The 97-time ATP title winner also addressed whether he felt he had the physical upper hand when he faces Rune.

“I don’t know. I’m not sure if he got really tired. Obviously we had some gruelling exchanges, physically demanding games. Of course, you get tired in those moments. But I think he’s a very fit player. He works very hard to be able to play for many hours on the court,” assessed Djokovic.

“I think that he didn’t seem very tired at the end of the match. Of course, I made a break in the third and finished with 6-3. But the break that I made at 3-2 for me in the third, we had some very long rallies. Another long rally at the break point. I didn’t get a sense that he was maybe physically struggling.

“I guess it’s the competition and the heat of the moment, sometimes you get the kind of shots that you want, sometimes you don’t. I just served out well I think,
especially in last game. But, yeah, every single match we play against each other is a marathon now. It’s amazing.

“He’s incredibly dynamic player, very quick, very powerful, so aggressive. He has one of the best returns that I ever faced, to be honest. Amazing return. He has improved his serve and his overall game. I think in the last month that he’s been working with Boris, there’s obviously a benefit to this relationship that they’re having.”

READ MORE: Holger Rune disagrees with Novak Djokovic’s assessment of his game despite high praise

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