Sixth seed Novak Djokovic admits that there is still room for improvement in his game after coming through his second round clash at the US Open.
The Wimbledon champion dismissed America’s Tennys Sandgren 6-1, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2, at what was a very animated Arthur Ashe stadium. Djokovic had a match point during the third set, but failed to convert it against Sandgren. Resulting in the world No.61 snatching in the third set before Djokovic battled back to seal the win. Shortly after his latest triumph, the Serbian talked about the atmosphere inside New York alongside his loss of concentration, but refused to link the two together.
“I was just referring to the atmosphere that night session at the US Open has. I mean, I’m used to it. I’ve played many times here.” He said.
“It had no connection to my loss of concentration. It was just me, being me sometimes, the other me that my first me doesn’t like.”
Despite the temporary lapse in his mental game, Djokovic sealed victory with the help of six aces and a winner-error ratio of 31-30. Converting seven out of his 16 break point opportunities. Keeping the 31-year-old on course for a potential showdown against Roger Federer in the quarter-finals next week.
“It’s tough to stay really focused and clean for three full sets. It’s just difficult to do,” Sandgren said. “If anybody can do it, he (Djokovic) can. But he definitely blinked there for a moment.”
The past couple of months has seen Djokovic resurged on the tour following previous difficulties with a troublesome elbow injury. Since the start of the grass season, he has won 21 out of 23 matches played on the tour this season. Claiming titles at Wimbledon and in Cincinnati. Despite the impressive run, perfectionist Djokovic believes there is still room to improve his game further.
“It’s a work in progress still. We are working daily on trying to perfect the game and put it together. Obviously last couple months have been really, really good in terms of results. But we both still feel that I have lots of room for improvement.” Djokovic explained about his work with coach Marian Vajda.
“That’s what’s exciting about this sport and about my game in general, is that I still feel there are certain elements in my game that need some betterment. That’s why you hit the practice courts daily and try to perfect the game.”
Djokovic will take on France’s Richard Gasquet in the third round. He currently leads their head-to-head 12-1.
