The coach of Novak Djokovic believes the Serbian is once again starting to enjoy life on the tour after what has been a roller coaster past few months.
Marian Vajda has said the world No.10 has made improvements in his mental game within recent weeks during an interview with Sport 360. Djokovic missed six months of the tour last year due to an elbow injury and underwent an additional medical procedure in February. His comeback at the start of 2018 saw him win back-to-back matches in one out of his first three tournaments. Despite the mixed start, the Serbian has blossomed as the season has progressed. Ending his title drought by Defeating Kevin Anderson at Wimbledon. Winning his first grand slam title since the 2016 French Open.
“Definitely he’s more relaxed. But he’s also starting to enjoy it and that’s the most important moment.” Said Vajda, who reunited with the 31-year-old at the start of the clay season.
“Once you start enjoying it, and he lost already the doubts and fears and whatever, he’s able to enjoy, and his best season can start. He just has to plan better, he has his family and everything but I think he will do good now.”
Djokovic heads into the North American swing with a win-loss record of 20-4 since May. Highlighting his credentials to challenge for the US Open title later this year. As with so many other major tournaments within recent years, two of his main rivals in New York will be Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Both of whom hold the top two places on the ATP World Tour rankings.
“I can’t tell you what’s going to happen at the US Open. These guys can have an off and an on every day now, they’re 36, 32, 31… I’m not predicting anything, but I think with the confidence now that the top guys have, probably we can face them very late in the draw, in the semis or final.” Vajda commented about the trio.
Kidnapping ordeal
The former world No.1 is currently taking a break from the tour ahead of his return at the Rogers Cup, which will get underway on August 6th. Earlier this week Djokovic’s family was stunned by the kidnapping of his wife’s grandfather in the Serbian town of Ljig.
85-year-old Miloslav Radisavljevic was robbed and taken by two masked men at roughly 3am local time on Thursday morning. The Serbian interior Ministry said that a mobile phone and 220 euros in money was stolen. Radisavljevic was later found handcuffed to a power line in a corn field by two electricians.
“The family of 85-year-old Miloslav Radisavljevic from Ljig, who was attacked last night in his house, kidnapped, and taken to a field several kilometers away, is in complete shock because of everything that has happened,” a statement reads.
There is currently an ongoing investigation to find the perpetrators. Police are yet to say if it was a random or targeted crime. Although some local media have reported that the perpetrators demanded a $2 million ransom in a text send to the uncle of Jelena Djokovic.
Djokovic and his wife have not made any public comment about the incident.
