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 properly beneath his peak stage. At this time’s loss to compatriot Dusan Lajovic was proof of that, nevertheless it doesn’t imply that the Serb is in massive hassle in relation to hitting his peak at Roland-Garros.
There have been truly some good indicators this week.
First, Djokovic took off the compression sleeve that he was sporting to guard his elbow and stated that he feels good in that regard. Second, he acquired two matches beneath his belt. Whether or not they have been as much as snuff by his lofty requirements or not, there’s actual worth in that for the World No.1.
He’s disenchanted 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 possibilities, 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 approach beneath my desired stage. I can’t win in opposition to opponents who’re so strong on this floor with this recreation. I didn’t even really feel good bodily on the court docket: I felt gradual, with sluggish legs; I missed a whole lot of balls and was completely out of [position]. At instances I performed properly, however properly beneath my stage.”
It’s not ideally suited, however it’s pretty regular to see Djokovic wrestle in his first few outings on clay. Previously we’ve seen him discover his recreation at Rome and carry that kind 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 alternative to assert a 3rd title in Paris, and a twenty third main. It’s affordable to suppose he was taking part in it secure 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 considering that he isn’t probably the greatest clay-court gamers of his era 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 couple of years I might begin slowly on clay as properly, solely to start out taking part in higher.
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) April 21, 2023
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