Novak Djokovic is 37 years old but he is still going strongly on the ATP tour. The Serbian admitted he wasn’t at his best in Doha as well as the Indian Wells Masters, where he suffered early losses against Matteo Berrettini and Botic van de Zandschulp respectively.
Earlier in the season, Djokovic had made it to the semifinal of the Australian Open despite hamstring issues. The former World No.1 was forced to retire in the semis against Alexander Zverev after losing the opening set.
“Let’s say I am in a pursuit to find the desired level of tennis. I haven’t played my best, even close to my best in Indian Wells and Doha. After I retired in my semi-finals in Australia, I haven’t been able to find that quality of tennis I’ve been looking for,” Djokovic said in a press conference.
“I’ve been working hard, giving it my all on the practice court. Eventually it’s going to come, I know that. Hopefully here. I played great in Australia, I thought I had a pretty good shot at the title in Melbourne. It’s unfortunate that it ended for me the way that it ended.”
Djokovic had beaten Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal clash of the Happy Slam and said that win had given him a lot of fuel to keep pushing at the top level.
“It’s still encouraging for me to experience the way I was playing in Australia. I’m still able to win against the likes of Alcaraz,” said Djokovic, who defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a four-set quarter-final in Melbourne before retiring in his semi-final against Alexander Zverev. “That’s probably the biggest reason why I still keep pushing myself, motivating myself, because I know I still have it in my legs, my hands, my arms.
“I still have that tennis level that can put me in a good position to win the biggest titles in the sport.”
Djokovic will play in the Miami Open after a long gap of six years.
“I haven’t played in Miami in six years, I’ve missed it,” Djokovic said. “I’ve always loved the Sunshine Double. I’ve had plenty of success, I think I won two or three times in a row the Sunshine Double [2014-2016].
“I look forward to getting out in front of the very vibrant crowd. I think here, very international as well, a lot of South Americans that love tennis and just always love the atmosphere here in Miami. I thought it was very unique so I can’t wait to be out on the court.”
The Serb will begin his campaign against Rinky Hijikata on Friday.
