The number one in the world, the Serbian Novak Djokovicquickly eliminated in the quarterfinals of the tennis tournament in Banja Luka (Bosnia Herzegovina) lost to his countryman dusan lajovicdownplayed the setback, praised the level shown by his opponent and stressed that his short-term goal is Roland Garros.
“The truth is that the preparation is focused on Roland Garros”said the twenty-second Grand slam winner after losing to Lajovic. Djokovic recalled what happened last year when he was slow to find his best level on clay. He was eliminated early in the Monte Carlo Masters 1000, lost in the final in Belgrade, in the semifinals in Madrid and won in Rome, before the major started in Paris.
So far in 2023 they have lost their second match in Monte Carlo and now in Banja Luka. “Last year I started the season on regular gravel and it was at the end when I was at my best level.”
For the first time she fell for Lajovic. “He played very well and I was below the expected level. I felt slow, out of rhythm. I was below my level,” he acknowledged.
Djokovic also praised his compatriot. “He plays very well on clay. He is mentally strong and has improved compared to other games we have played before.
“Dusan is an amazing person, a great person. He’s someone I’ve known for a long time, since he started playing professional tennis. We have trained with the Davis Cup team many times. I’m happy for him. I know this is an important victory for him and he deserves to win,” added Djokovic, who has his next challenge at the Mutua Madrid Open.
Source: La Verdad
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