By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, April 21, 2023

To anybody who watched Novak Djokovic’s two matches at Banja Luka this week, it’s clear that the 22-time Grand Slam champion is working effectively beneath his peak stage. Today’s loss to compatriot Dusan Lajovic was proof of that, however it doesn’t imply that the Serb is in huge hassle with regards to hitting his peak at Roland-Garros.

There have been truly some good indicators this week.

First, Djokovic took off the compression sleeve that he was sporting to guard his elbow and mentioned that he feels good in that regard. Second, he acquired two matches beneath his belt. Whether they have been as much as snuff by his lofty requirements or not, there may be actual worth in that for the World No.1.

He is disenchanted in his play, however is skilled and is aware of that point is on his facet. There are 5 weeks till Roland-Garros begins, and two Masters 1000 occasions at Madrid and Rome in between. He’ll have time to place the items collectively.

It may very well be rust after a long-layoff or the elbow may very well be a real concern. Worrying occasions for Novak followers https://t.co/4LlryVeZty

— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) April 21, 2023

“I had my chances, but I didn’t take them,” he mentioned of his effort on Friday in Banja Luka, based on Tennis Majors. “I played quite passively, with many mistakes and that resulted in the defeat.

“I was way below my desired level. I can’t win against opponents who are so solid on this surface with this game. I didn’t even feel good physically on the court: I felt slow, with sluggish legs; I missed a lot of balls and was totally out of [position]. At times I played well, but well below my level.”

It’s not superb, however it's pretty regular to see Djokovic wrestle in his first few outings on clay. In the previous we’ve seen him discover his sport at Rome and carry that kind over to Roland-Garros. Barring any unexpected accidents, why ought to we suspect that this season could be any completely different?

With Nadal struggling to get match, Djokovic is aware of he has alternative to say a 3rd title in Paris, and a twenty third main. It’s affordable to assume he was enjoying it secure in Banja Luka, being cautious to not hit out an excessive amount of in order that his elbow continues to get better. Or that he merely hasn’t gained consolation timing the ball and his footwork on the clay.

But let’s not make the error of pondering that he isn’t top-of-the-line clay-court gamers of his technology and the person to beat at Roland-Garros if Nadal is not at full health. 

#Djokovic: I hope to be prepared for Roland Garros. Last few years I might begin slowly on clay as effectively, solely to start out enjoying higher.

— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) April 21, 2023

Content Source: www.tennisnow.com