With a total of 2000 ranking points to defend over the next four week’s, Novak Djokovic is taking proceedings in his stride as he bids to extend his reign at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
Finalizing his preparations ahead of the start of his 12th consecutive main draw appearance at the Californian event, a cloud of uncertainty looms over Djokovic’s head. Since lifting the Doha title in January, he has failed to reproduce his winning momentum elsewhere. At the Australian Open he crashed out in the second round followed by a quarter-loss loss to Nick Kyrgios at the Mexican Open.
The recent setbacks are similar to those of Djokovic’s roller-coaster 2016 season. Shortly after winning his maiden French Open trophy, the Serbian was troubled by motivational problems as well as injury. It was a combination that sacrificed his world No.1 position to Andy Murray. Still the 29-year-old believes his previous misfortunes are only making him stronger as a person.
“I don’t regret things in life,” he said during an interview with bnpparibasopen.com. “Maybe I should have had a longer break after Roland Garros, to have more time to recharge emotionally in every aspect of my being. It didn’t happen, I kept on going and I don’t regret it because I believe there was a lesson to be learned from that.
“I think having those four or five months in the second half of 2016 was actually very important for me, for my growth as a player and as a human being. I learned a lot. I keep going. I’m obviously motivated to keep playing on a very high level.”
Comparing this season to last, the current Indian Wells champion believes he is now mentally stronger on the tour. The declaration comes as he becomes accustomed to criticism from others, some fair and some not so fair. One of the most high profile in recent weeks was that of his former coach Niki Pilic, who has said the Serbian has lost tenacity in his game. Providing no direct response to Pilic’s theory, Djokovic has hit back in his own fashion.
“If I’m not hungry to have success in this sport, I wouldn’t be sat here talking to the media and playing this tournament. I’ve achieved so much in my career that I’m obviously very content and I could easily stop today and say, ‘it’s been enough’. But I keep going because I have that drive in me still and I have that flair. As long as that’s present, I’ll keep on playing.” He explained.
The hunger to succeed is one valuable aspect required ahead of Djokovic’s potential blockbuster journey in Indian Wells. On Wednesday the draw stunned the world as the Serbian is projected to play Juan Martin del Potro in the third round followed by Kyrgios in the fourth. Then a potential clash against Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal (two players who he has played against in 11 grand slam finals) looms in the quarter-finals.
“This is probably one of the toughest draws we’ve had.” He said.
“It’s a very strong field. This is one of the strongest tournaments we have in the sport. Everyone wants to do well. The draw is something you have to accept and deal with.”
Bidding to become the first player in history to claim four consecutive Indian Wells title, Djokovic will face either Kyle Edmund or Gastao Elias in his opening match.
