Novak Djokovic (Photo : AFP/Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal opened about the tough times they had this season, including their respective losing skids and setbacks that prevented them from winning at the big stages.
World No.1 Novak Djokovic spoke about his recent struggles in the tennis scene, particularly the Serb's shortcomings since winning the French Open in June. Djokovic, who failed to extend his Grand Slam winning streak at Wimbledon and US Open, admitted he dropped his level, which he accounted for several reasons.
"Not only for pressure but tiredness as well, I was not as fresh as I needed too at Wimbledon, US Open and Olympic Games. Reaching the US Open final has been a great result considering the physical shape that had put in question my presence at New York. I am going through a process of change and development, both as man and as player," Djokovic said, reports Tennis World USA.
After capturing his first ever French Open title that saw him completed a non-calendar Grand Slam, Djokovic failed to deliver at Wimbledon, losing against American Sam Querrey in Round of 32. Djokovic bounced back to win the Rogers Cup in Canada, but stumbled upon another setback in his disappointing first round exit at the Olympic Games against Juan Martin Del Potro.
Despite Djokovic's losing form, many believed the Belgrade native would conquer the US Open in New York, but once again fell short after losing to Stan Wawrinka in the final round.
Djokovic will next participate in the Asian swing, but will skip playing at the China Open due to an elbow injury.
"I'm still recovering from my elbow injury and have been advised not to play until my condition improves," Djokovic said, reports the BBC. "I will continue with my rehabilitation and hope to be able to return to the ATP Tour as soon as possible."
Meanwhile, Nadal also stressed about his own struggles this season, especially when injury complicated his impressive run during the most important events. Nadal's back-to-back title wins during the European circuit gave him a huge boost in his stint at the French Open, but a left wrist injury forced the 14-time Grand Slam winner to withdraw mid-event.
"It has been a difficult year. I got injured in the worst moment, in the middle of the season, which makes things even tougher. But I have to say that I had a good comeback playing a great event in Rio while at the US Open things did not go by my side. I will try to recover my level, to feel ready to play. That's my goal now," Nadal said.
Nadal will also compete at the China Open in hopes of solidifying his bid for a slot at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London. With Djokovic out of the tournament, Nadal, who currently sits at eighth place in the Emirates ATP Race to London rankings, gets a boost to win the event in Beijing and improve his rankings for the Tour finale.
