Djokovic Is Battling Fatigue In London

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 6th November 2012

ATP Masters Series Monte Carlo - Day One

Djokovic Is Battling Fatigue In London

MONACO - APRIL 10: Novak Djokovic of Serbia talks to the media during Day One of the ATP Masters Series Tennis at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 10, 2011 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) |

Novak Djokovic is battling fatigue at the end of a long ATP season, But the Serb No. 1 is still building his energy level for a round-robin match with rival Andy Murray at the World Tour Finals.

A week ago, both men crashed out early in Paris, last event of the regular season on the ATP. But with the end-of-season eight-man tournament now in full swing, it’s another mentality for the elite players in the field.

“I’m sure that I’m not the only player here that feels tired after all season,” said Djokovic. “All of us, we’ve played a great year, great season. Some players played more matches and more tournaments than I have. So I don’t try to find an excuse there.

“Obviously we all try to hold on for another couple of matches and give our best and see how it goes.”

Djokovic beat Murray in their last meeting, the Shanghai final in October when the Scot could not convert on five match point and went down to the loss. Djokovic also seems re-assured by apparent news from home regarding the health of his father, whose reported presence in a Belgrade hospital last week was believed to be part of the season for his lack of attention on court in Paris.

“It’s a different week. I mean, I had difficult circumstances, some things I had to face last week.”

But after starting his London campaign with a win over Jo-=Wilfried Tsonga, Djokovic seems to be back to his old self. “This match was very important for me mentally, to break the ice in some way, to return to the shape that I want to be in, the mental state, also be confident and optimistic on the court, play my game.

“Hopefully I can carry this on to another match against Andy in two days.”