Tennis

I was hanging on the ropes for the entire match, admits Novak Djokovic after second-round loss against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

 

The World no.1 Novak Djokovic admitted that he was always chasing the game in the second round of the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters after losing against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The Spaniard took the match by 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-1 as he dominated against the Serbian.

The 22-year-old youngster was able to grab his opportunities and broke Djokovic’s serve early in the match. The young sensation once again broke Djokovic’s serve early in the second set but the Serbian was able to claw back stronger and level in the tiebreaker.

However, Fokina totally dominated the third set as Djokovic could only win a single game. In fact, Djokovic, who was going all guns blazing in the previous season, now has a 2-2 record this year.

“I would like to congratulate Alejandro. He was the better player. He managed to find a better rhythm I think in the first two sets,” Djokovic said. “I was hanging on the ropes the entire match. I was really chasing the result constantly.”

Djokovic admitted that he wasn’t at his best physically in the game and he expected a tough challenge against a promising player.

“I always believed that I could come back and win the match, and I stayed there even though a lot of things were against me in terms of how I felt on the court. Game-wise, physically I was just far from my best,” Djokovic said.

“So of course in those types of conditions and circumstances, then you have to really work two times more than you normally would. And again, I played a clay-court specialist. He had a match already on centre court a few days ago.

“I expected this match to be [a] really tough match, [a] physical battle, and that’s what it was. Unfortunately, I’m on the shorter end of the stick, and my week ends here.”

Djokovic feels he will take some time before he can hit the ground running on clay. In fact, the 20-time slam champion hasn’t had a great start to the clay season in the past.

“I knew a few days ago when I spoke to you that it’s going to take some time for me to really feel my best on the clay,” Djokovic said.

“That’s historically always been the case. [I have] never played very well in the opening tournaments of the clay season. “But it’s okay. Obviously, it is what it is. I have to accept the defeat and keep working.”

Djokovic will now take part in the Mutua Madrid Open.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

LeBron James opens up on new All-Star Game format, says something had to change

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has opened up on new All-Star Game format. James,… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sunil Chhetri reveals how leadership onus helped him in his career

India’s football icon Sunil Chhetri has had a glorious career as he has ticked the… Read More

December 20, 2024

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal ruled out for rest of the season due to knee injury

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal has been ruled out of the rest of the… Read More

December 20, 2024

Christopher Clarey sheds lights on Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray alliance, says Serb has always tapped into smart, high-level tennis players

Renowned Tennis journalist Christopher Clarey has shed light on Novak Djokovic appointing Andy Murray as… Read More

December 20, 2024

Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim has no regrets after dropping Marcus Rashford

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted he has no regrets after dropping Marcus… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sanju Samson reveals how Gautam Gambhir gave him clarity and confidence

India’s wicket-keeper bat Sanju Samson has revealed head coach Gautam Gambhir has played an instrumental… Read More

December 20, 2024