Novak Djokovic calls Banja Luka court as ‘SLOWEST ever’ after being tested by Luca Van Assche

Novak Djokovic struggles but advances to second round in Sprska Open.

Novak Djokovic calls Banja Luka court as ‘SLOWEST ever’ after being tested by Luca Van Assche

Novak Djokovic

World No.1 Novak Djokovic struggled but advanced to the quarter-finals of the Sprska Open. He defeated unseeded Frenchman Luca Van Assche, coming back from a set down. The final score was 6-7(4-7), 6-3, 6-2. This match raised questions on the fitness and form of the Serbian but not on the World No.1 player’s mental toughness. It once again proved Novak is still there to win big even without being in top gear.

A tired Djokovic said after the three-setter, “This would probably rank as the slowest court, slowest conditions I’ve ever played in, to be honest. I couldn’t penetrate through the court. I couldn’t put any ball past him.” The frustration was visible in his words and antics during the match as well as in the post-match interview.

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Djokovic continued on how he turned the match around after the initial struggle, “He was on every single ball for a set-and-a-half until I started to get some rhythm going, I’m happy with the way I finished the match. Of course, I can always play better, but a win is a win.”

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Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

The Serbian had already spoken on his plans for the clay court season. The 35-year-old is eyeing his 23rd Grand Slam title on the Parisian clay and all the tournaments before are considered only preparatory ones by the World No.1. Though his elbow doesn’t look in ideal shape, the Serbian has the ability to win big, fighting inner demons.

As the Serbian mentioned about his injury, “It’s not ideal, but it’s good enough. I hope it will be fully ready for my first match here.” The disappointment was genuine in the words of Djokovic even when he spoke after the loss against Lorenzo Musetti in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters. That loss was least expected from fans, considering the form and experience of the Serbian superstar. But the Italian had different plans for the day.

Djokovic will be trying to build momentum in the ongoing tournament and peak for the French Open later. His ability to cope with tough situations and injuries is second to none, so the fans are expecting the same magic from him.

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