“Feel cramps in my stomach,” Novak Djokovic says he’s hungry to win his 100th tour-level title in Doha
Novak Djokovic returns to the court at the ATP 500 Qatar Open after being away due to a muscular tear he suffered at the Australian Open.
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Novak Djokovic (via Instagram)
Novak Djokovic has been seeking to win his 100th tour-level title ever since winning an Olympic gold medal in Paris last year. The Serbian has failed to do so this year so far, despite playing in two tournaments. However, back on the Tour following a muscular tear, he’s hoping to achieve the feat in Doha.
Last year, Djokovic failed to win an ATP title and a Grand Slam. The former World No.1 was not at his best on the court after a scintillating 2023 season. Nonetheless, this year, he began better, reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open and beating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals. But, a muscular tear forced him to retire in the match.
He has been away since then, recuperating from the injury but he made his return on Monday (February 17) at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. The Serbian partnered with Fernando Verdasco in the doubles to beat Alexander Bublik and Karen Khachanov 6-1, 6-1 in less than an hour. During his press conference, he revealed that he’s hungry to win his 100th tour-level singles title in Doha.
I feel the cramps in my stomach before the every match. I’m stressed, I’m nervous, I’m excited. So, it’s a good sign, because after all of these years of competing on the Tour and everything I achieved, I still feel that, I still feel the jitters. It’s a good sign because I still care about doing this, and I feel and I hope that my active career that keeps going is also positively affecting the overall tennis ecosystem. I like to believe that. And hopefully inspiring younger generations to come and watch tennis, grab a tennis racquet, participate in our sport in any shape or form.
Novak Djokovic said via ATP
Djokovic was handed a tough draw at the Qatar Open, as he will open his account against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. If he does win the match, he will face either Tallon Griekspoor or Jan-Lennard Struff in the second round of the ATP 500 event in Doha.
Novak Djokovic finally reveals why he hasn’t played in Doha for the past five years
Novak Djokovic has not played at the Qatar Open since 2019. Despite being a two-time champion at the event and having a mind-blowing 15-2 record at the event, he has always prioritized other tournaments than Doha. In this edition of the Qatar Open, he’s the second favorite to win the title after Carlos Alcaraz.
During the aforementioned press conference, Djokovic stated the reason why he hadn’t participated in the event for past five years. He explained that the tournament was played before the Australian Open, which was later changed to after the Melbourne major.
I always enjoyed myself here. The tournament was played in the first week of the season, prior to Australia, so it was actually a great week for all of us preparing for Australian Open, and flying to Australia through Doha.
Novak Djokovic said
In Doha, Djokovic will face Matteo Berrettini, who he has beaten in their last four meetings. The Serbian will hope to continue with his fine display at the Australian Open, where he reached the semifinals after beating Alcaraz in the last eight.
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Victor Okechukwu
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