MADRID: Novak Djokovic has started a new chapter of his career with a tough 6-1, 4-6, 7-5, win over Spanish wildcard Nicolas Almagro in the second round of the Madrid Open.
Last week the multiple grand slam champion dismissed three members of his coaching team, including long-time mentor Marian Vajda. The decision was described by Djokovic as ‘shock therapy’ as he bids to regain a stronghold on the men’s tour.
“This was the fourth match of the clay court season for me this year, and all of them went 7-5 or 6-4 in the third set. Every match more or less that I’ve played was quite close, dramatic as well. I guess I’m supposed to be tested in every match on clay.” Djokovic said about his Madrid clash.
Uncertainty erupted at the start of the match after a disastrous Djokovic service game handed the home player the early advantage. Fortunately for the defending champion, he was able to swiftly turn his fortunes around. The power and experience of the Serbian contributed towards a six-game winning run in Djokovic’s favor, easing the apprehension surrounding his camp.
The promising start did little to deter former top-10 player Almagro, who was relishing in the support from his home crowd. Generating more momentum in his shots, Djokovic once again found himself pushed to his limits. Four break points came and went throughout the second set as the world No.2 struggled to find a solution. Inevitably, those missed shots cost him dearly. A tentative Djokovic dropshot was greeted with a Almagro backhand winner, handing him a duo of set points. Almagro’s breakthrough was then secured with the help of a forehand error from the 29-year-old.
As Almagro rolled back the years with some breathtaking shot-making, Djokovic faced the prospect of another shock exit. Almagro’s ability to move the second seed around the court raked in its benefits as a blistering backhand down the line secured a 2-0 lead in the decider. Still, it was not enough to secure the upset as Djokovic roared back to claim the break back before fighting his way to victory after two hours and 17 minutes of play.
Djokovic had to work ➡️ Hard ➡️ But he begins the defence of his crown with a 7-5 win in the third. #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/LNP9GTy63s
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 10 May 2017
The roller coaster performance saw the defending champion hit 26 winners compared to 23 unforced errors. A slight contrast to Almagro’s tally of 28 and 37.
“I can take a lot of positives from today, as I say, for almost two sets. I was playing really well, consistently, taking my chances, returning a lot of balls back, serving precisely. I wasn’t making too many, you know, errors on the court.” The world No.2 said.
Still finding his way
Djokovic’s Madrid triumph occurs during what has been a testing period of his career. Since winning the Doha Open in January, he has failed to reach the semifinal stage at five consecutive tournaments. It is a sharp contrast to 2015, when Djokovic dominated the men’s tour by winning 12 titles within the same season.
“I’m still finding my way to that consistency level and quality of tennis that I’m looking for.” The continuously optimistic Djokovic stated. “I’m aware that I’m not playing at my best, but I’m definitely believing in myself and the process. Eventually the game will come together.”
The question of who will help guide Djokovic back to his best remains a mystery. Seeking a new mentor on the tour, rumors have suggested that Andre Agassi is in line for the top job. A suggestion that was neither confirmed or denied by the former world No.1
“I would like to have ideally someone who fits into the profile of a person that was kind of in my shoes before, that has been winning Grand Slams. There are not too many of those kind of champions in the history of the sport. I guess it’s normal that people start coming up with names.” He said.
Whilst Djokovic remains coy about his future coach, he expects to make at least one appointment ‘before or after’ the French Open.
Djokovic will play either Gilles Simon or Feliciano Lopez in the third round tomorrow.
