Novak Djokovic was upset by Tommy Haas in the finals of Sunday’s Gerry Weber Open, a Wimbledon tune-up event in Halle. Novak has yet to win a grass court singles title in his career, though he was also a runner up last year – to Rafael Nadal at the Queen’s Club tournament in London.
But it’s a more recent loss to Nadal – in Spain, on clay – that Nole claims is weighing on his mind as he approaches Wimbledon. A month and a court surface have passed and Novak’s still thinking about those three match points he failed to convert against Rafa in the Madrid semifinal.
Here’s what Djokovic told reporters after losing in Halle:
Q: Is it possible that the semi-final in Madrid is still in your mind a little bit because you haven’t played your best tennis since then?
DJOKOVIC: Probably. That match has been really emotionally exhausting me. I think I was really empty after that match emotionswise and mentally. I’m still trying to get back and recover. But playing finals here is a good achievement, coming back from five match points down in second round and playing two quite good matches in quarter finals and semi finals. You always have to look on the bright side. Wimbledon is coming up and I hope I can be ready.
But it doesn’t sound like Djokovic is looking on the bright side:
Q: Having played five matches here – you talked about the difficulties of adjusting to grass – do you think you will go to Wimbledon feeling that you are one of the top four, five favourites?
DJOKOVIC: I don’t know. I’m not playing on my top level. I will try to get ready for Wimbledon. I haven’t done a great job there last year. I lost second round. So, I wouldn’t rate myself as a favourite for that tournament.
Is Novak depressed? Coy? Realistic? What do you think the future holds for him at Wimbledon?
Loading ...Quotes via Gerry Weber Open website.
Tags: ATP, Djokovic, Gerry Weber Open, Halle, Madrid Masters, Nadal, Tommy Haas, Wimbledon
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Check this out… Love the picture Lol
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/matthew_syed/article6465803.ece
Not too sure about the writing, so I just skipped to the end of it, but the picture was so cute, I had to tell you about it.
Oh yes, the monkey grooming is really cute! Rafa’s expression is priceless.
Sad face
I don’t like when Djokovic takes the “whatever, I’m not really playing well, so why would anyone, including myself, expect much from me?” route. It was like this with the racquet-change-gate. He hadn’t adjusted to the racquet, he didn’t expect excellent results, so no one should… and so he started jumping from tournament to tournament (and losing), making a weird start to the 2009 season. He had great performances afterwards, but I’m sure that mindset early in the year had some impact in his season – and probably in his ranking, but I’m not sure Murray’s rise could be prevented.
In a way, I’m so glad Djokovic lost early in Wimbledon last year. This means he has nothing to lose this year, so he should simply go for it. I believe he should try a lighter, happy, approach. Hey, if he makes to 3rd round, it will already be better than last year!
That’s why I think that if he stops being so gloomy, he’ll probably reach the semis. Heck, even the final, but as much as I like the kid… I still prefer the Rafa-Roger party.
Novak just takes himself a little too seriously which is why I think he gets so defensive and grumpy. Hopefully he’s sorting that out!
Ouch. I’m sure he’s still heartbroken after that Madrid loss. I have this theory that he hasn’t been the same player since Nadal beat him at the Olympics. Maybe he’ll play without pressure at Wimbledon.
That’s a very interesting theory, JFK! Why do you think that loss at the Olympics cost him so much, mentally? Was it just the huge occasion?
If you ever see Novak, be sure to ask him about it and report back!
I’m not the hugest Nole fan, but it’s still really sad to see someone with his talent struggle with self-confidence like this. Even more than that loss to Nadal, Andy Murray’s rise has shaken him, I think.
Here’s hoping he pulls it together, because when he’s on, he plays some really exciting tennis.
I see it more as a way to take some pressure off his shoulders. I’m not too worried about Djokovic, unless say … del Potro or Tsonga ends up in his quarter.
I like the idea that he’s just venting and relieving some pressure. Maybe that’s all it is. I was thinking he was getting a little depressed!