Novak Djokovic said on Monday he is ready to atone for his shock Australian Open exit as he prepares to return to action in Acapulco.
The 29-year-old world number two makes his bow in the tournament on Tuesday, his first match since tumbling out in Melbourne last month in the second round against Uzbekistand's Denis Istomin.
The Australian Open defeat was the nadir of a challenging dip in form for the Serbian former world number one, who has won only two titles since July last year.
Djokovic, who is making his debut in Acapulco, said he feels in a healthier frame of mind since his travails of recent months.
"All in all, I feel that I'm in a much better state of mind than maybe I was at the end of last year. So I keep on going. I love this sport. That's why I'm playing it. That's why I'm here. I'm just hoping that I can stay healthy and as dedicated as best as I can be," Djokovic said.
Djokovic, who plays Slovakia's Martin Klizan in the first round, admitted going out in Melbourne so early had come as a shock.
"I haven't experienced the first-week Australian Open loss for many years," said Djokovic.
"But it's kind of normal and expected to go through those times when you're not playing as best as you can maybe, as best as you want to be, or maybe the opponent has an amazing day. It's sport. You have to deal with it, and you can always learn much more from the losses."
In early round action on Monday, American eighth seed John Isner was upset by compatriot Steve Johnson, going down in straight sets 6-4, 6-4.
Fifth seed David Goffin had no such difficulty however, breezing past France's Stephane Robert 6-1, 6-2.
Source: AFP
GMT 14:03 2018 Monday ,15 January
Meo wins Dakar motorcycling eighth stageGMT 19:54 2018 Saturday ,13 January
Asia take surprise lead over Europe in EurAsia CupGMT 13:17 2018 Wednesday ,10 January
Richardson's late strike lifts Heat over JazzGMT 17:00 2018 Monday ,08 January
Despres takes overall Dakar lead after timing confusionGMT 15:48 2018 Sunday ,07 January
Defending champion Sunderland wins Dakar moto openerGMT 14:46 2018 Sunday ,07 January
Svitolina crushes Sasnovich in Brisbane finalGMT 19:52 2018 Saturday ,06 January
Svitolina stuns Pliskova to reach first Brisbane finalGMT 18:58 2018 Thursday ,04 January
French Open champ Ostapenko suffers defeat in ShenzhenMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor