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 as we speak, Djokovic delivered a candid evaluation of his 2024 marketing campaign: “Not an incredible 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 break 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 normal by way of expectations of the outcomes, so not having a title is, possibly evaluating to the final 15 years, not an incredible season in any respect,” Djokovic informed the media in Monte-Carlo after dropping 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 recognize, it is regular to count on that you’ve some seasons the place you do not begin properly, and that is the one.”
Although Djokovic is true the place he ought 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 changing into the primary Italian to win the Australian Open.
World No. 123 Luca Nardi toppled Djokovic in Indian Wells to turn out to be the lowest-ranked man to ever defeat the Serbian celebrity in a Masters 1000 or a significant.
In the present day, Rune scored his first profession win over a world No. 1 changing 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 sport 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 season as his foremost goals.
“Hopefully, yeah, I can decide up, by way of outcomes, I can construct from right here, as a result of, you recognize, I performed some good tennis,” Djokovic stated. “Hopefully within the subsequent tournaments I am going to be capable to play even higher.”
Picture credit score: Clive Brunskill/Getty