By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, April 21, 2023
To anybody who watched Novak Djokovic’s two matches at Banja Luka this week, it’s clear that the 22-time Grand Slam champion is working nicely under his peak degree. Immediately’s loss to compatriot Dusan Lajovic was proof of that, however it doesn’t imply that the Serb is in huge bother in relation to hitting his peak at Roland-Garros.
There have been really some good indicators this week.
First, Djokovic took off the compression sleeve that he was carrying to guard his elbow and stated that he feels good in that regard. Second, he received two matches underneath his belt. Whether or not they had been as much as snuff by his lofty requirements or not, there’s actual worth in that for the World No.1.
He’s dissatisfied in his play, however is skilled and is aware of that point is on his aspect. There are 5 weeks till Roland-Garros begins, and two Masters 1000 occasions at Madrid and Rome in between. He’ll have time to place the items collectively.
It could possibly be rust after a long-layoff or the elbow could possibly be a real concern. Worrying instances for Novak followers https://t.co/4LlryVeZty
— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) April 21, 2023
“I had my probabilities, however I didn’t take them,” he stated of his effort on Friday in Banja Luka, in response to Tennis Majors. “I performed fairly passively, with many errors and that resulted within the defeat.
“I used to be method under my desired degree. I can’t win towards opponents who’re so strong on this floor with this sport. I didn’t even really feel good bodily on the courtroom: I felt sluggish, with sluggish legs; I missed a number of balls and was completely out of [position]. At instances I performed nicely, however nicely under my degree.”
It’s not very best, however it’s pretty regular to see Djokovic wrestle in his first few outings on clay. Up to now we’ve seen him discover his sport at Rome and carry that type over to Roland-Garros. Barring any unexpected accidents, why ought to we suspect that this season can be any completely different?
With Nadal struggling to get match, Djokovic is aware of he has a superb alternative to say a 3rd title in Paris, and a twenty third main. It’s cheap to suppose he was taking part in it protected in Banja Luka, being cautious to not hit out an excessive amount of in order that his elbow continues to get better. Or that he merely hasn’t gained consolation timing the ball and his footwork on the clay.
However let’s not make the error of pondering that he isn’t among the finest clay-court gamers of his technology and the person to beat at Roland-Garros if Nadal is not at full health.
#Djokovic: I hope to be prepared for Roland Garros. Previous few years I’d begin slowly on clay as nicely, solely to start out taking part in higher.
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) April 21, 2023
