Novak Djokovic can't wait to put some more competitive matches in 2022 under his belt as he prepares for the Madrid Open.
The Serbian last competed at the Madrid Open in 2019, lifting the trophy above his head after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. However, the tournament was canceled in 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19, and the Serbian did not participate in 2021.
He returned to Madrid this year and was greeted by a standing ovation when he entered the practice court. A three-time champion at the tournament, Djokovic won in the Spanish capital in 2011, 2016, and 2019.
He'll strive to capture his fourth title in 2022, bringing him one step closer to Rafael Nadal, who has won five times in Madrid. However, the Serbian's path to the title will not be easy, as there will be many challenging opponents on his journey to the title, but as he revealed in his pre-tournament press conference, his main goal is to get more matches under his belt.
"I was looking to spend more time on the court, and that's what I got. So of course playing finals [at 2022 Serbia Open] is a good result and I have to be positive about it."
"I like a lot of things about the way I was hitting the ball. Of course it's not at the level still where I wish it to be. It is a process, and I have to be patient. Hopefully things will progress in the right direction also this week."
Not getting to play many matches, one of the main issues for the Serbian legend is the lack of match fitness, but he's feeling that it won't be a problem, as he feels the progress.
"But [it was] different in Belgrade than it was in Monaco. Knowing that I played four almost-three-hour matches and long, three-set battles gives me enough reason to believe that it's headed in the right direction."
"I had a very good week of training now, put more emphasis on fitness and building the stamina and endurance, because that's what's going to be necessary in order to compete with top guys on the slowest and physically most demanding surface in our sport."
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