Novak Djokovic fires Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal warning after Indian Wells loss
NOVAK DJOKOVIC has warned rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal that he will be back to his best at the Miami Open.
Novak Djokovic comments on shock loss at India Wells
World No 1 Djokovic suffered a shock straight-sets defeat to Philipp Kohlschreiber in the third round of the Indian Wells Masters last night.
The Serbian was expected to cruise through his half of the draw, especially after winning the last three Grand Slam titles.
He must now reset ahead of the second leg of the ‘Sunshine Double’, which starts next week.
Federer and Nadal both secured comfortable wins to progress to the fourth round in Indian Wells.
But Djokovic has told his rivals he will be extra motivated for the next Masters event.
"I'm not at my highest level, but slowly building, and hopefully I'll be able to peak in Miami,” Djokovic said.
"To be honest, I don't enjoy losing.
"Especially in a tournament like this, a tournament where I have had plenty of success in the past.
Philipp Kohlschreiber reacts to beating Novak Djokovic
"You just have to deal with it, move on, turn the next page. Miami is the next tournament singles-wise for me.”
Djokovic will remain in Indian Wells as he is through to the semi-finals of the doubles draw.
The 31-year-old is playing alongside Fabio Fognini for the first time and they beat Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau just hours after Djokovic’s singles exit.
"I had to get over it in an hour, because I played doubles," joked Djokovic.
"I must admit I was thinking about it.
“When I hit a good return, I was wondering why this didn't happen in singles.
“But it is, I guess, part of the world that we are in, the world of tennis.
“It's part of our world, and we just have to bounce back very quickly.
“And in this case, it's good for me that I'm participating in doubles here, because I get a chance to rectify the wrongs.”