[ad_1]
PARIS: Novak Djokovic he insisted on Saturday that his sensational disqualification from the US Open at Roland Garros will not be repeated as the world number one promised: “I will not make the same mistake twice.”
Djokovic was defaulted in New York when a ball he stole in frustration struck a linesman.
As well as attracting wide condemnation for his alleged petulance, the incident also went down in the record books as a loss – the Serb’s only loss in 32 games in 2020.
“Well obviously I’m going to be very careful when hitting a tennis ball around the court,” Djokovic said.
“That is something that sticks in my head after what happened in New York. It will stay there for a long time.
“Of course, I’ll make sure I don’t make the same mistake twice.”
However, the aftermath of his brain fade in New York hasn’t slowed down the Djokovic giant.
He captured the Italian Open in Rome on Monday for a record 36th Masters title, breaking a tie with Rafael Nadal.
It was also his fourth trophy in five events this year.
He also brought his total weeks spent in the world’s number one ranking to 287, going Pete sampras on the all-time list and with only Roger Federer at 310 ahead of him.
“I really want to be my best version as a player, as a human being on the court, and win a tennis match,” added Djokovic.
“It is what it is. I don’t think in any significant way (the default) shocks me (or) that now I can’t show the fist bomb or scream or something. It’s already happened in Rome and everything is fine.”
Now the 33-year-old is aiming for a second open French title to add to his 2016 victory, a triumph that made him the third man in history after Don budge and Rod Laver to perform all three Slams at the same time.
Victory in Paris It would also lead Djokovic to 18 career Grand Slams, one behind Nadal and two off Federer’s record.
Djokovic is seeded to face 12-time Roland Garros champion Nadal in this year’s final.
On Friday, Nadal complained about the new Wilson balls being used this year in Paris, claiming they are too heavy for a clay court.
The Spaniard also believes they could cause shoulder and elbow problems for players.
Djokovic was sympathetic to Nadal’s fears, but pointed to the effect of fall conditions in the French capital.
“I agree that the balls are heavy. But it’s probably also because it’s almost October too, and it’s very cold,” said Djokovic, one of two men who have beaten Nadal at Roland Garros in 15 years.
“The clay is also heavy and wet. Only the general conditions are also affecting the ball.
“It’s very difficult to tell if the ball is heavy in general or is it because we are playing under these kinds of slow and heavy conditions.”
