World No.1 Novak Djokovic is sticking to the positives following his surprise exit from the Miami Masters on Tuesday.
The top seed crashed out to Roberto Bautista Agut 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, in the fourth round of the tournament. Suffering a second loss to the Spaniard this season. Djokovic was a game away from victory twice, but was unable to overcome a solid resurgence from Bautista Agut following a rain delay. Hitting 25 winners to 34 unforced errors and producing four double faults.
“This kind of match I should not have lost. So many opportunities. Just way too many wasted opportunities. This is what happens when you don’t capitalize on time.” Djokovic said afterwards.
“I thought I played well today and throughout this entire tournament. One, two, three sluggish games, and that’s what happened.” He later added.
The loss follows his disappointing run in Indian Wells earlier this month. At that tournament he crashed out in the third round to Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber. It is the second consecutive year where Djokovic has been knocked out in the early stages of the American tournaments. Last year he lost both of his opening matches, however, the Serbian was on a comeback from an elbow injury at the time.
Djokovic’s No.1 status remains intact regardless of who wins Miami. Reflecting on his performance, the Serbian admits that he may need to make adjustments to his preparations for the tournaments next year. Although he didn’t elaborate on what that could entail.
“I have been having this kind of schedule for many years. That’s sport. You have to deal with it.” He said.
“It’s not the first time I lose early in both tournaments. I have done that last couple of years. So I definitely have to rethink how I prepare for Indian Wells/Miami next year.”
The past few weeks have also been a turbulent time for the 15-time grand slam champion away from the court. Djokovic has come under scrutiny following the announcement of the upcoming removal of ATP CEO Chris Kermode. Djokovic is the president of the ATP Players Council, who has been under criticism from players such as Rafael Nadal. He has been accused of being a driving force behind the change of CEO, but he has kept a neutral stance when asked about the departure of Kermode.
“Way too many things off the court,” Djokovic said. “I guess that affected me a little bit on the court.
“I didn’t feel my best health-wise, as well, in Indian Wells and here. You know, still rusty, but, hey, look, you learn that’s life.”
Djokovic will return to action next month at the Monte Carlo Masters in what will be the start of his clay-court campaign.
