World No.1 Novak Djokovic said he was ‘running out of fuel’ during his clash with Rafael Nadal in the final of the Italian Open amid criticism over the organisation of the tournament by some.
Djokovic suffered a 6-0, 4-6, 6-1, loss to rival Nadal on Sunday at the Foro Italico. The lacklustre match saw the top seed fail to reach his best level as he hit a series of unforced errors and struggled to match the intensity of his opponent’s shot-making. Resulting in a considerably more consistent Nadal claiming a record ninth title at the tournament and his first of the season.
The loss comes after what has been a hectic week for both Djokovic and other players. Midway through the tournament, an entire day was wiped out due to poor weather. Meaning that Djokovic and his rivals had to play both their second and third round matches on Thursday. Following on from that, the Serbian then played back-to-back late night matches at the tournament against Juan Martin del Potro and Diego Schwartzman.
“I really always try to respect the win of my opponent. I don’t like to talk about it too much. It is what it is.” Djokovic replied when questioned about the scheduling of his matches.
Whilst trying to play down the debate, Djokovic believes officials at the tournament should make improvements for the future. Speaking out about one of the men’s doubles matches that took place on Saturday and didn’t finish until 1am. 13 hours before they were due to play the final. The players involved were Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah, who went on to win the title.
“The schedule can be improved, in my opinion.” He said.
“I think also there was a situation with the doubles match. They finished yesterday, after I ended up my semifinals around 11, and the doubles match was almost 1 a.m. They went out on the court to play their finals at 2 p.m. Those things are a little bit concerning for players. You start asking yourself, How are they making the schedule?”
“It has been like that for singles at least for a while. I accept it. I respect whatever I have in front of me.”
Djokovic is not the first person to criticise the event this year. Dominic Thiem said that he ‘disliked how players were getting treated’ after crashing out in the second round to Fernando Verdasco.
Time for a change?
The Italian Open follows immediately after the Madrid Open. Both tournaments are only seven days long, which forces organisers to try and cram in all the matches. Out of the nine Masters tournaments, Indian Wells and Miami are the only two that takes place over two weeks.
In the past, there has been rumours about both Madrid and Rome, expanding their tournaments to a bigger draw and taking place over 10 days. However, is yet to be given the green light by the ATP. Djokovic acknowledges that such a move with have a knock on effect on the men’s calendar.
“I understand why this tournament or Madrid want to have additional few days. I understand. But then it affects some other weeks or other tournaments. You have to try to find a balance.” The 15-time grand slam champion said.
“It is complicated. I think change is going to happen. That’s my feeling. I don’t know whether this tournament and Madrid will get 10 days. I don’t think one will get, another one will not. So it’s either both or none. That’s my opinion.”
No changes will be made to the events next year with the 2020 calendar already finalised by the ATP. The back-to-back Masters events will take place over 14 days, starting in Madrid on May 5th.
“The schedule and the calendar is very complicated. You gain something, but then you lose and maybe hurt another two or three smaller tournaments.” Explained Djokovic.
“That can create a lot of trouble for ATP as a legal entity.”
The Italian Open has been open to professional players since 1969 and has been held annually every year since.
