Novak Djokovic opens up on clay-court adversity ahead of Wimbledon
NOVAK DJOKOVIC has hailed the grass season for always helping him bounce back from clay disappointment.
Djokovic suffered a shock defeat to Marco Cecchinato in the French Open quarter-finals so he is using Queen’s to build form ahead of Wimbledon.
The Serbian is competing at the west London event for the first time in eight years as he attempts to rediscover his top form.
Djokovic’s weakest surface has always been the red dirt as only one of his 12 Grand Slam titles have come on clay.
But he is delighted that the grass season immediately follows because it gives him the perfect opportunity to come back strongly.
I have to bounce back and play my best on grass
“I have faced this particular situation many times before where I have a tough loss and the last couple of matches on the tournament in Paris,” Djokovic said.
“And then I have to bounce back and play my best on grass.
“I have done that many times.
“I have to approach things mentally mostly, I guess. And of course I'm putting in the hours on the court.”
Djokovic has bounced back in some style this year, too, with straight-sets wins against Damir Dzumhur and Grigor Dimitrov in the opening two rounds.
“These two matches have been exactly what I needed and what I was looking for, what I was hoping for,” Djokovic added.
“But as I said, I don't want to get too much ahead of myself.
“I'm enjoying the grass. I'm enjoying this tournament.
“This was a big win for me today, but I have to keep on going.”