By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Saturday, April 13, 2024
Tennis is performed in a rectangle.
Novak Djokovic has felt a bit boxed on this season.
Within the aftermath of his 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 to Casper Ruud within the Monte-Carlo semifinals in the present day, Djokovic delivered a candid evaluation of his 2024 marketing campaign: “Not an important season in any respect.”
It is a season that noticed Jannik Sinner dethrone defending champion Djokovic at he Australian Open final January earlier than Djokovic and coach of 5 years Goran Ivanisevic cut up in March. Semifinal appearances in Melbourne and Monte-Carlo can be welcome outcomes for many gamers, however do not meet Djokovic’s lofty requirements.
“I imply, I am used to essentially excessive commonplace by way of expectations of the outcomes, so not having a title is, possibly evaluating to the final 15 years, not an important season in any respect,” Djokovic instructed the media in Monte-Carlo after shedding to Rune for the primary time in six conferences. “However I had semis of Australia, semis right here. I solely performed three tournaments this 12 months, so in fact, you realize, it is regular to count on that you’ve got some seasons the place you do not begin effectively, and that is the one.”
Although Djokovic is true the place he needs to be within the rankings, the Grand Slam king has seen opponents make historical past in opposition to him. Sinner defeated Djokovic en path to turning into the primary Italian to win the Australian Open.
World No. 123 Luca Nardi toppled Djokovic in Indian Wells to change into the lowest-ranked man to ever defeat the Serbian famous person in a Masters 1000 or a significant.
As we speak, Rune scored his first profession win over a world No. 1 turning into the primary Norwegian to defeat a reigning world No. 1.
The excellent news for Djokovic is he nonetheless has seven weeks to sharpen his recreation earlier than launching protection of his Roland Garros crown.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion prioritizes successful a twenty fifth main championship in Paris or at Wimbledon in addition to successful an elusive Olympic gold medal this summer time as his major goals.
“Hopefully, yeah, I can decide up, by way of outcomes, I can construct from right here, as a result of, you realize, I performed some good tennis,” Djokovic stated. “Hopefully within the subsequent tournaments I will have the ability to play even higher.”
Picture credit score: Clive Brunskill/Getty
