Sport  |  Tennis  

Defeated Djokovic will regroup at the double

By AFP |   14 March 2019   |   7:38 pm  

INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 12: Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot to Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 12, 2019 in Indian Wells, California. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP

World number one Novak Djokovic was trying hard to take his shock loss at the ATP Indian Wells Masters in stride on Tuesday, but it wasn’t easy.

“To be honest, I don’t enjoy losing,” Djokovic said after falling 6-4, 6-4 to 39th-ranked German Philipp Kohlschreiber in the third round.

Kohlschreiber notched his first ever victory over a number one-ranked player, ending Djokovic’s bid for a sixth Indian Wells crown.

“Especially in a tournament like this, a tournament where I have had plenty of success in the past …” Djokovic said. “But it just happens, one of those days.”

Djokovic, playing his first tournament since lifting his record seventh Australian Open title in January, knew he’d have to work his way back into top form.

He admitted he was nervous in the early going of his 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, win over US qualifier Bjorn Fratangelo in his second-round opener.

Nevertheless, he thought he was poised for a deeper run, something he’ll now try to achieve in doubles alongside Italian playing partner Fabio Fognini.

Shortly after falling to Kohlschreiber, Djokovic was headed out for doubles, teaming with Fognini for a 7-6 (8/6), 2-6, 10/6 victory over Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau to reach the semi-finals.

“You just have to deal with it, move on, turn the next page,” Djokovic said. “Miami is the next tournament singles-wise for me.

“I’m going to try to go all the way here in doubles. I’m really excited about that.”

But he’ll also be putting in some solid singles practice.

“Things to work on, without a doubt,” Djokovic said. “I’m not at my highest level, but slowly building, and hopefully I’ll be able to peak in Miami.”

You may also like

13 hours ago
The Vice President, Visa West Africa, Andrew Uaboi, has explained why his firm chose Nigerian track and field athletes, Tobi Amusan and Goodness Nwachukwu, as part of its diverse roster of Team Visa athletes ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
13 hours ago
Despite Super Eagles’ 0-2 loss to the Eagles of Mali on Tuesday night, Coach Finidi George said that the Nigerians were the better team.
8 hours ago
Defender Kenneth Omeruo has assured that the Super Eagles’ players are determined to give their all for maximum points when the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume in June.