Despite being the world No.1 and only losing two matches so far in 2020 Novak Djokovic says he still goes through the same problems as any other player on the Tour.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion experienced a testing second round encounter against Borna Coric at the Vienna Open on Wednesday. In what was a battle both physically and mentally, Djokovic saved four set points in the opener to prevail 7-6(11), 6-3, in the Austrian capital. Overall, he produced four aces and 27 winners but could only break his Croatian rival once in the match.
“The first set he served with high quality and precision. I played a little bit passive in the first set and I think he was dictating the play,” Djokovic said during his press conference.
“I’m pleased with my serving in both sets, especially the second. I started swinging through the ball better and playing better. I was there, I was fighting and I was waiting for chances when they were presented.”
Undoubtedly the most thrilling aspect of Djokovic’s latest encounter was the 24-point tiebreaker that took place. He has now played a total of 14 tiebreakers in 2020 and has won 13 out of them. The only player he lost to was Kyle Edmund at the US Open who he went on to defeat in four sets.
“I guess the more tiebreakers you win the more confidence you have. Coming into the tiebreak I think that mental edge and optimistic approach, knowing that you have a great record, it helps,” Djokovic explains.
The latest win has virtually guaranteed that Djokovic will finish the season as world No.1 for the sixth time in his career. A record that has only ever been achieved by his idol Pete Sampras. Although the ATP will not make it official yet as it is still possible that Rafael Nadal could enter into the Sofia Open. Even though the Spaniard has told ‘La Resistencia’ that he will only play in Paris and London.
Amid what has been a mainly dominant 2020 season from the Serbian it is easy to forget that he can also experience his difficulties on the court like anybody else. Despite his image as one of the sports greatest of all time, Djokovic admits that he still feels nervous during his matches.
“Every player will say that they want to play on their own terms. We step onto the court with a clear mindset of tactics and what needs to be executed but nerves kick in. Sometimes you feel that your shots are not working as you want them to,” he explains.
“In my own case regardless of having the experience of playing so many matches on the biggest stages I still feel nervous and have those concerns as everybody else. I still have to weather the storm internally.’
“I think it happens more a less every match. Sometimes it is high intensity, sometimes low. Over the years I have learned how to deal with myself and how to calm my mind. Focus my energy in the right direction.”
It is that desire to dictate from the onset which Djokovic wants to start doing this week in Vienna. A tournament he hasn’t played at since winning the title back in 2007. Prior to Coric, he was also given a workout by Filip Krajinović in his opening match before coming through to win with the same score.
“Today (Wednesday) and yesterday (Tuesday) in the first set I think I was waiting too much for them to dictate the play. They played on their terms and they had a better chance if I am not dictating as much. I was running a lot, playing defence and using a lot of energy. But sometimes it is necessary if you have to find a way to win,” he said.
“Every match is a mental and emotional challenge.”
Djokovic will play either Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego or Poland’s Herbert Hurkacz in the quarter-final.
