Tennis: Djokovic says return to top spot more special after tough year
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action during his round of 32 match against Czech Republic's Tomas Machac in Dubai, on Feb 28.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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DUBAI – Novak Djokovic said his return to the top of the world rankings felt like a big achievement after a year of turmoil where he had to skip several tournaments, including two Grand Slams, but he expects the top spot to change hands many times in 2023.
The Serb missed the 2022 Australian Open and was deported from the country due to being unvaccinated against Covid-19 before returning in January to clinch a record-extending 10th title at Melbourne Park and 22nd Slam to reclaim the No. 1 spot.
He was forced out of big tournaments in the United States in 2022, including the US Open, as he was unable to enter the country due to his refusal to take his shots.
Djokovic also received no points for winning the Wimbledon title due to the grass-court Slam being penalised for its decision to ban players from Russia and Belarus over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I think this is the least points I’ve had as No. 1. It happens,” he said, following his win over Tomas Machac in Dubai on Tuesday.
“It’s not only due to my circumstances of not playing a couple of Grand Slams and everything that happened last year, but also other players, some players missing some Slams for injuries, some not having the biggest consistency.
“I guess that makes the achievement bigger, at least in my team’s and my eyes. I’m overwhelmed with pride. I work as hard as anybody else. I’m really committed to the sport. And I try.”
Djokovic is now into his 378th week as the world No. 1, surpassing Steffi Graf’s record for the most weeks at the top of the sport.
But he said younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas will eventually catch up with him.
“These guys are playing at a high level constantly. They’re playing a lot of tournaments. I’m not playing as much and don’t plan to play as many weeks as they do,” he added.
“Eventually, they’ll take the No. 1, then I’ll bring it back again, then they’ll take it again. We’ll go in circles.”
Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in action during his round of 32 match against Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi.
PHOTO: REUTERS
He was already made to work on Tuesday in his first match since winning the Australian Open, needing three close sets to move past world No. 130 Machac.
Undefeated so far in 2023, and carrying a 17-match winning streak coming into the UAE, Djokovic showed signs of rustiness in his 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-1) win over the Czech qualifier.
The two players hit a combined 78 winners during the 2hr 27min affair.
But it was Djokovic’s 28 unforced errors that, at times, proved costly.
“He was giving me all kinds of trouble but I guess, when it mattered, I found another gear,” the Serb said.
“Physically, you can always be better. I did struggle with injury for several weeks and it took me a bit of time to get used to holding the racket. I haven’t played much tennis coming into Dubai, so I’m hoping, as the tournament progresses, I can raise my level.” REUTERS, AFP
