“I don’t think I am still at my top level” : Novak Djokovic gives honest verdict after storming into Monte Carlo quarterfinals
Novak Djokovic stormed into the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters, following his straight sets victory over Lorenzo Musetti on Thursday. The Serbian avenged his defeat from last year, when he lost to the Italian at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Novak Djokovic stated that he still feels that he is yet to reach his top level. The Serbian has not had the best start to his season, losing in the semifinals of the Australian Open and the third round of the Indian Wells Masters. Lorenzo Musetti got off to a great start against the top seed in the last 16 clash in Monte Carlo, however, Novak Djokovic quickly turned things around to win the first set.
The veteran stated that things can change quite rapidly on clay courts, and a break of serve is really not a big advantage as compared to other courts. The Serbian believes that his opponent lost his focus midway through the first set, which helped him turn the tide in his favor.
“It was a little exchange with the crowd at 4-3, 40/0 for him in the first set and ever since then I gained momentum. He lost focus a little bit. He was the better player for those first seven games, played some great tennis. Played really good shots and made me run. But this is clay and obviously things can turn around very quickly and a break of serve is not as a big advantage on this surface compared to the other surfaces,” said Djokovic, when asked about how he turned things around in the first set.
Novak Djokovic to face Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals
Novak Djokovic will face Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals on Friday. The Australian defeated the top seed at the United Cup earlier this year, as their head to head is even at 1-1. The 25-year-old has been quite a consistent performer on the tour this season, winning the Mexican Open, and reaching the finals of the Rotterdam Open a couple of months ago.
As stated by Novak Djokovic, the Serbian is yet to reach his top level. He is expected to gain more confidence, and get much more lethal as the tournament progresses.
“I don’t think I am still at my top level but it was a great test today against a great player, a very talented player. I lost to him last year here, similar circumstances. I was a set and 4-2 up and I must say it was in the back of my mind when I was serving at 4-2, 40/15 and lost my serve today. I thought, ‘Oh no, hopefully this is not similar scenario like last year’. I am really glad to overcome the challenge and look forward to the next one,” Novak Djokovic on his defeat to Musetti last year.
Novak Djokovic should prove too much of a challenge for Alex de Minaur, who is not among the best players on clay courts. However, expect the Australian to make a strong case for himself, as Novak Djokovic would need to be at his best to secure a safe passage into the semifinals.
