The first seven days of the 2019 season have already laid the foundation for some unfolding stories in the world of tennis. Novak Djokovic got a wake up call in Doha, Aryna Sabalenka built on her rising star status and Roger Federer conquered Perth once again.
It was a hectic opening week of tennis this year, but here are five key things that can be taken away.
Novak is still finding his range
Entering the Qatar Open as the man to beat, it didn’t go the way Novak Djokovic would have wanted this week. The world No.1 battled his way into the semi-finals, dropping sets against Marton Fucsovics and Nikolas Bashivilli on route. Then in the last four he failed to capitalise on a set and a break lead. Crashing out to a gutsy Roberto Bautista Agut, who went on to win the title.
“I wasn’t the freshest, you know.” Djokovic reflected afterwards.
“This is what I was looking forward to, to get from this tournament, as many matches as possible, to get ready for the Australian Open, so I’m very pleased.
“Obviously, I’m not pleased that I lost the match, but I lost to a better player in the end.”
Expectations are high for Djokovic heading into the Australian Open following his stellar end to 2018. Last year he reclaimed the world No.1 spot after winning both Wimbledon and the US Open, as well as two Masters 1000 tournaments. When asked by reporters in Doha what his goals are for the Melbourne Major, Djokovic bluntly replied ‘a trophy.’
Despite his blip in the Middle East, some of Djokovic’s rivals still label him as the man to beat in the first grand slam of this season. Including Roger Federer, who is targeting a third consecutive Australian Open title at the age of 37.
“No doubt about it, Novak is the favourite,” said Federer. “Regardless of what happened in Doha, the game had a super, super strong last five or six months of the year.
“With his class once he gets his groove back he is hard to beat.”
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