Andrey Rublev reveals what Novak Djokovic ‘needs’ to regain his form ahead of the French Open 2022
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Andrey Rublev and Novak Djokovic
Andrey Rublev, the world No. 8, says he understands Novak Djokovic’s struggles this season, but he believes the Serb will overcome them all and return to his previous level. Djokovic began his season in late February in Dubai, after being denied entry to the Australian Open. Djokovic was then denied entry into the United States for Indian Wells and Miami but was allowed to start the clay season in Monte Carlo.
“Novak Djokovic needs a couple of strong wins”- Andrey Rublev
“No, it has nothing to do with the feeling of the ball or physics at all. It’s more psychological. When you’re under pressure, you don’t know if you’ll be able to play at all or not. Then the Covid rules are abruptly abolished, you understand that there will be an opportunity to play the season,” Rublev told Championat, as quoted on Sportskeeda.
“But most of them did not perform, but were in these experiences. And if you start playing at the first tournament in the UAE, Monte Carlo at No. 1, then expectations are high. But you didn’t play, there’s no rhythm — it gets lost quickly. I’m sure when he’s training, it’s perfect to catch the confidence for a match. Play a couple of matches, win against good players, and then it will all get better quickly,” he added.
Rublev won the Belgrade final on Sunday, defeating Djokovic 6-2 6-7 (4) 6-0. Djokovic won a tight second set to force a decider, but Rublev came back strong in the third set, breaking Djokovic three times to win in three sets and capture his third victory of the year.
“It depends in what format. If it’s just a flashback that it was a cool week, then yes. There are some moments that remained in my head. It is to think or remember, to scroll through in your head, what happened to win in the final against Novak – there is no such thing,” Rublev added.
Upon being asked if he receives any support from Novak Djokovic, Andrey Rublev concluded by saying, “I don’t even know any of them close enough to call friends and talk about some things. But rather good sports relations: we can calmly talk in the locker room. There is respect.”
Novak Djokovic gears up for Madrid Open
Novak Djokovic is preparing for his first match at the Madrid Open in 2022, which he will play on Tuesday. On Saturday, World No. 1 was spotted hitting the practice courts with Pablo Carreno Busta. With the Spaniard, Djokovic was seen practicing his groundstrokes.
For the first time since 2019, Djokovic will compete in the Madrid Open, which he won after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 in the final. Due to COVID-19, the event was cancelled in 2020, and the Serb decided not to compete in 2021 because he wanted to rest before Roland Garros. Djokovic will be hoping to bounce back swiftly from his setback to Andrey Rublev in the Serbia Open final. However, with the likes of Casper Ruud, Hubert Hurkacz, and Denis Shapovalov in his half of the draw, it won’t be easy.
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Pritha Ghosh
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