ATP: Djokovic after Aus: “Was obviously not ready yet”

Following his opening bankruptcy against Benoit Paire in Miami, Novak Djokovic was partially at a loss. How things will go on for him seems to be still open.

After his long injury break Novak Djokovic still seems far away from his former form. In Indian Wells he lost his first match against Taro Daniel in three sets, in Miami he lost to Benoit Paire in two rounds – and only kept up at the beginning, “After that I ran out of breath”, the former world number one said afterwards, “He served well, I couldn’t reach him. He unpacked the right shots at the right time.”

Djokovic seems to be still at the beginning of his return after the ups and downs of the last weeks – comeback and another forced break. But he wanted to play Indian Wells and Miami “because I wanted to see if I could play a match”. He loves the hard courts and has wanted to play a few tournaments before the clay court season starts, “But I obviously wasn’t ready for it yet” It doesn’t feel great to play the way he currently does, “I would like to be able to play the way I want to. But that’s impossible right now.”

The 12-time Major Champ had announced the end of the season after last year’s Wimbledon task to heal a protracted elbow injury. Djokovic made a strong impression during his comeback at the Australian Open and won his first three matches quite clearly before losing to Hyeon Chung, but again complained about problems and underwent a minor intervention on his right arm.

“I wouldn’t go to the court if I didn’t think I could win a match,” Djokovic continued in Miami. Unfortunately, I’m not on the level they want me to be on. But life goes on.”

Djokovic had also taken on Viktor Troicki in doubles in Miami, but they had lost against Nikola Metkic and Alexander Peya in three sets in the opening match. Djokovic’s next destination is the Masters Tournament in Monte Carlo from the 15th century. April.