Novak Djokovic is Out of London and Has No Excuse

Written by: Staff on 25th November 2011

Novak Djokovic is Out of London and Has No Excuse

Novak Djokovic of Serbia waves to spectators after winning his ATP World Tour tennis finals group match against Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia held in O2 Arena in London, Britain on 25 November 2011. EPA/KERIM OKTEN |

Novak Djokovic had no excuse after playing and losing in what he called his worst effort of a formerly perfect season. The world No. 1 went out in a group match at the World Tour Finals to David Ferrer, with the Spaniard reaching the semis of the season wrap-up 6-3, 6-1.

“All the credit to opponent, he played great match,” said Djokovic, winner of ten titles in a breakthrough season of only five losses so far. “This was the worst match I’ve played this season so far, I just wasn’t there. So many unforced errors. I’m not playing well – that’s a fact.

“Maybe it’s the length of the season. Maybe it’s because I’m not feeling well. Those days are possible in sport and you have to accept the defeat.

“It’s hard to find something (positive)…movement, feel for the ball, anticipation on the court, nothing. Just a terrible, terrible match.”

Djokovic has dropped a level since September, when he was unable to complete Serbia’s Davis Cup semi-final against Argentina due to an abdominal muscle injury which required he be helped off court after quitting in pain at mid-match.

He then skipped the autumn Asian swing to cure that problems but picked up a shoulder injury along the way, His return in early November in Basel resulted in a semi-final loss and he had to pull out before playing a Paris quarter-final only days ago.

“Maybe it was the wrong decision to play the Davis Cup after US Open and after I was not fresh on the court, not feeling well, partly injured as well,” said the Serb. “But, you know, it was my decision. I play with the heart sometimes. Sometimes maybe it’s better to think with the head.”

“DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE”

Topics: Novak Djokovic