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20-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic voiced some concerns after running out of energy in the third set of the Belgrade final versus Andrey Rublev. Djokovic, ranked at No. 1 in the world, won a tight second set to force a decider but stood no chance in the third set as Rublev won 6-2 6-7 (4) 6-0.
In Monte Carlo, Djokovic recovered from a set down to force decider against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina but that was all as the Spaniard won 6-3 6-7 (5) 6-1. Something similar happened in the Belgrade final as Djokovic won a tight second set to force a decider but then was left out of energy in the rest of the match.
"It’s a bit worrysome, I can only assume it’s because of the illness that hit me a few weeks ago. But I have to look at the positives, I’ve won three matches from a set down," Djokovic said.
#Djokovic said that in the 3rd set he felt like in Monte Carlo: It’s a bit worrysome, I can only assume it’s because of the illness that hit me a few weeks ago.
But I have to look at the positives, I’ve won three matches from a set down. — Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) April 24, 2022
Djokovic: Roland Garros remains my top priority
Djokovic, who captured his second French Open title last year, underlined several times in Belgrade that being well prepared for Roland Garros is his top priority.
Djokovic will now take a week of and then compete at the Masters events in Madrid and Rome. "I am doing same things I always do. I hope it will get better with every week, so that I can be ready for Roland Garros," Djokovic noted.
After losing the Belgrade final, Djokovic apologized to the Belgrade crowd for running out of energy and losing the final.#Djokovic: I am doing same things I always do. I hope it will get better with every week, so that I can be ready for Roland Garros. — Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) April 24, 2022
"I apologise because of the way the 3rd set unfolded. It’s an individual sport, when something fails, the engine can’t work. Lots of emotions, thank you for pushing me to the finals," Djokovic said. Djokovic was playing just his third tournament of the year and reaching the Belgrade final was definitely an encouraging sign.