Novak Djokovic Says He Was ‘Under Attack’ After Opening-Round Win in Basel: “I Had to Weather the Storm”

Novak Djokovic played a match in Basel for the first time since 2011. Competing at the Swiss Indoors for the fourth time in his career, the wild card entrant came from a set down to eliminate Ugo Humbert 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round on Wednesday (October 28).

The win helped the Serb improve his head-to-head record over the Frenchman to 2-0, in what was also their first match since their clash in the fourth round of the 2019 Wimbledon. The win also kept his hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals alive.

Super tight match. Very intense from the very beginning. He was striking the ball beautifully, being super aggressive, taking away a lot of time from me. I was under attack from the very first point. I had to weather the storm, and it was tough; it was really tough for a set and a half. But I managed to find my rhythm at the beginning of the second and saved some break points, which was crucial.

Novak Djokovic said during his on-court interview (H/T: Tennis365)

Djokovic is 11th in the race to Turin. He did not compete in the event in the previous two seasons, last winning in 2023 by defeating the now two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner, who won’t play this time due to his knee injury, which ultimately forced him to end his season.

After that I started feeling a bit more comfortable with his tempo but overall a huge challenge, a great burden and obstacle that I succeeded to find the solutions in a tough match today.

Novak Djokovic added

The fourth seed will next be locking horns with Jan-Lennard Struff. Djokovic is also chasing his second ATP 500 title of the season.

He ended his title drought at the China Open after receiving the walkover from Alex de Minaur. It was his second final of the season following the Australian Open, where, after beating Sinner in the semifinals, he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the title clash.

Djokovic is also participating in his first indoor hardcourt event since the 2025 Hellenic Championship, which he won by beating Lorenzo Musetti.

Novak Djokovic on his relationship with Roger Federer

If he wins in Basel, Novak Djokovic will match Roger Federer (103) for the second-most titles on the men’s tour in the Open Era. He is chasing his second title here, with the first one coming in 2009.

Nole beat Federer and lost to him in the final the following season. At the pre-tournament press conference in Basel, Djokovic spoke about how his relationship with Federer has evolved over the years.

Well, I mean, to be honest, it was almost always strictly professional. I always had incredible respect, and still do, for Roger. I congratulate him for the Hall of Fame, as well. If there is anybody that deserves that, it’s him. But we never had any kind of off-court relationship. It was really always: rivals. And that’s what it is, really. But my respect and admiration for what he has done… not only for himself but for the sport; he has contributed so much to the sport I’m part of.

Novak Djokovic said

Djokovic leads 27-23 in the head-to-head matchups with the 20-time Grand Slam champion, last playing him in the semifinals of the 2020 Australian Open, which the former won.

After Swiss Indoors, the 24-time Grand Slam champion will compete at the Paris Masters, which starts on November 2. He will play here for the first time since winning the tournament for the seventh time in his career in 2023.

Also read: Carlos Alcaraz Reveals Why He Was ‘Unhappy’ During Practice Session in Vienna