Djokovic hints he may be back to his best as Serb rampant in Astana

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Novak Djokovic has admitted he’s full of excitement and confidence at this week’s Astana Open after lifting the Tel Aviv title on Sunday. The fifth seed explained the difference of winning a title as he looked back to his best in his dominant 6-1 6-1 victory over Cristian Garin.

Djokovic earned his most dominant victory of the 2022 season as he made his Astana Open debut, dropping just two games to advance to the second round. The fifth seed came to the brand-new tournament fresh off the back of winning his 89th title in Tel Aviv last week.

And the 35-year-old admitted that it made a world of difference to arrive in Kazakhstan with another title under his belt as opposed to losing in the final as he hinted that he was back to his best level following almost three months away from competition when he was unable to play the North American hard-court swing because of his unvaccinated status. “I mean from the start to the end it was great performance,” Djokovic said after getting off to a winning start in Astana.

“And playing in a new tournament, different conditions, first match, it’s never easy looking to see how you’re going to adapt but I did it perfectly really. I played as well as I can, made him work and used every opportunity presented to me.”

JUST IN: Rafa Nadal was denied ‘extraordinary’ season after ‘bittersweet’ woes

The 21-time Grand Slam champion looked as in control as ever on the slower courts in Astana despite the huge difference compared to the fast surface in Tel Aviv, but said he had no problem adjusting to the chance in court speed. “Well it depends,” he said.

“I can speak on my own behalf that I was lucky that throughout my career I was actually pretty quick in adjusting to different conditions but I think that experience of knowing what to do [helps].”

DON’T MISS
Rafael Nadal’s uncle shares Roger Federer wish after star’s retirement
Nick Kyrgios posts two-word response after incredible Japan Open shot
Rafael Nadal retirement verdict given as career relies on two things

And the Serb was understandably feeling good off the back of his triumphant return to competition in Tel Aviv. Thanks to his opening win, Djokovic is now on a 12-match winning streak spanning his titles at Wimbledon and in Tel Aviv.

“Again, winning a tournament or losing in finals or semi-finals makes a difference mentally,” he said after dispatching Garin. “Coming into this tournament I feel confident, I feel excited.”

Source: Read Full Article