Novak Djokovic has expressed his difficulty in playing on the slow courts of Banja Luka at the Srpska Open, claiming that they are among some of the slowest conditions he has ever played in.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion explained that he found it difficult to play through his opponent in his opening match at the ATP 250 event in Bosnia and Herzegovina, resulting in long and gruelling rallies for the Serb - something he will have been keen to avoid given his recent injury struggles with his elbow.
The remarks have raised an eyebrow with some, as the tournament in Banja Luka is actually licensed by the Djokovic family.
It wasn’t easy. This would probably rank as the slowest court, slowest conditions I’ve ever played in, to be honest. I couldn’t penetrate through the court. I couldn’t put any ball past him.
In his first match since a surprise loss to Lorenzo Musetti in Monte-Carlo last week, the Serb struggled to penetrate his young opponent's defence. The talented young Frenchman, Luca Van Assche, proved stubborn opposition for the World No. 1 and kept the the Serb out on court for just over two-and-a-half hours.
Despite losing the first set on a tie-break, however, Djokovic's experience shone through yet again as he was able to turn the tables on his young opponent and clinch the win in three sets.
Novak was also quick to point out the shift that Van Assche had put in, clearly impressed with the teenager's quality.
He was on every single ball for a set-and-a-half until I started to get some rhythm going. I’m happy with the way I finished the match. Of course I can always play better, but a win is a win.
The World No. 1 will next face compatriot Lajovic as he continues his build-up towards Roland Garros next month.
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