The Serbian tennis player, current number one in the world, appeared before the media during the ‘Media Day’ prior to the Nitto ATP Finals 2021, which this year opens its headquarters: the Italian city of Turin.
Unlike previous years, Novak Djokovic arrives at Nitto ATP Finals with the confidence and the level of play sufficient to be able to break a drought that has already lasted up to six years without conquering this event, the last of the season in the men’s circuit and that every year brings together the Eight best players of the year.
After his sixth title in the Masters 1,000 of Paris-Bercy, where he beat the russian Daniil Medvedev in the grand finale, the world number one claimed during the ‘Media Day‘ from Masters Cup that he feels physically good because he has not played as many tournaments as in previous seasons. The Serbian, who was framed in the Green Group together with Tsitsipas, Rublev and Ruud, recognizes the difficulty that this tournament demands, in which all its rivals will want to do their best.
With more energy than in previous years
“I feel fresher because I have not played as much as in previous years, when it comes to tournaments. I have had many grueling tournaments, particularly at the Grand Slam, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. This year has been different from any other I have had so far, due to the pressure of being able to win the big four. He has demanded a lot of me. I felt like I needed to rest to recharge my batteries and be prepared for the end of the season”Added Djokovic before his first match at the 2021 Nitto ATP Finals.
A very demanding format
“I started well with the victory in Paris and I hope to do well now in Turin. For it you have to play with a very high intensity and give your best version. Sometimes you don’t have a lot of gas in the tank, but you have to play with five great rivals to win the title and that requires a lot of energy“.
Fond memories of London
“London was very successful for the Nitto ATP Finals. It is one of the most spectacular pavilions in the world and it couldn’t have been a better setting when it got busy every afternoon or evening. It was ideal for the most important ATP tournament. But always I have been in favor of moving this tournament periodically, maybe every three or four years“.
The rise of Italian tennis
“Men’s tennis is booming in Italy, with Matteo (Berrettini), Fabio (Fognini) and Jannik (Sinner). There is a good atmosphere in the city and everyone is eager to support the tournament, and Matteo in particular. Everyone wants to end the year in the best possible way”Concluded Djokovic before his debut at the Nitto ATP Finals 2021.
The world number one will debut in the day session next Monday against the Norwegian Casper Ruud, in a meeting that will begin not before 14:00 local time.
