Novak Djokovic has told Sky Sports his principal objective is to get into top form in time for the next two Grand Slams but he is less optimistic about his chances at this week’s Madrid Masters.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is scheduled to return to action on Saturday when he will play Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in his opening match at the Caja Magica. He is yet to win a match on the clay this season after making an early exit from the Monte Carlo Masters earlier this month.
Historically, Djokovic has enjoyed success in Madrid and is a three-time champion. However, he hasn’t lifted the title since 2019, which is also the last time he reached the final. In his most recent appearance two years ago, he made it through to the semi-final stage.
“We’re in Madrid. We came here early. We’re putting in a lot of hours on the court and in the gym, trying to perfect the body and the game,” said Djokovic.
“And basically every aspect of my game is to be a few percent better than it was in the previous weeks.
“If I can reach that desired level in this tournament, that would be amazing.
“I don’t have really high expectations, and I really hope that I can get through the first hurdle and then we’ll take it from there.”
The 37-year-old has compiled a win-loss record of 12-6 so far this season but hasn’t won a trophy since last summer’s Paris Olympic Games. He reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January before retiring from his match against Alexander Zverev due to injury. More recently, he made the final in Miami before losing in straight sets to Jakub Mensik.
“The priority is obviously trying to take the level of tennis that currently is maybe not where we want it to be to the higher level, so that I can peak at the French Open,” Djokovic states.
“That’s where I really want to play my best tennis, Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Djokovic has resumed training alongside Andy Murray, who wasn’t with him in Monte Carlo under an agreement the two made. He added his former rival to his team at the end of last season.
Shedding some insight into their collaboration, Djokovic believes the most important part of his training is having the right mentality. Admitting that his motivation can fluctuate at times.
“The priority for us is always to try to approach the training session with the right kind of mentality. It’s not always easy,” Djokovic commented.
“Some days I feel excited and really motivated. Some days less so then he (Murray) as a coach has to manage that which is not always easy.
“Then it’s about (working on) specific elements in the game: certain shots that are maybe happening in a certain pattern for days or weeks.
“Or there is also something that kind of appeared in yesterday’s practice or it comes up in the moment and then you address it. It’s really a combination of things.”
Djokovic is bidding to win his 100th tour-level title in Madrid.
