Despite falling to Rafael Nadal in straight sets at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Saturday, Novak Djokovic can take a lot of positives out of his week in Rome.
The former World No. 1 showed signs in the Italian capital of returning to the level that helped him clinch the year-end No. 1 ATP Ranking on four occasions. He reached his first tour-level semi-final of the season as he continues his comeback from a right elbow injury.
“I can only take positives from this week," reflected Djokovic. "I didn't really expect anything coming into this tournament, when it comes to results, because I didn't have many great results in the last period. I'm pleased with how I've played [in the] past three days, very pleased.”
Djokovic was happy with how well he played on Court Centrale in his 51st FedEx ATP Head2Head meeting against Nadal, who improves to 18-1 on clay this season.
“I don't think that there was too much of a difference [between us], which is great news for me,” said Djokovic. “Rafa is, of course, the best player ever to play tennis on clay-courts and he's in great, great form. It's very difficult to play him on clay anywhere.”
The 30-year-old also said he has learned a lot on the comeback trail after a tough start to the season. Djokovic entered Rome with a 6-6 record in 2018, and, earlier this season, lost three consecutive tour-level matches for the first time since 2007.
“I've never faced this kind of situation before,” said Djokovic. “So I thought that it's not going to take me long to get back to winning ways… I [have] had to learn a lesson and accept the circumstances. But, looking back two or three months, this is the best that I've felt on the court, by far."
Djokovic’s run to the last four in Rome may just be the start of a return to form. The 68-time tour-level titlist was philosophical in his outlook that his fortunes can always change, for better or worse, in a short period of time.
“People are very powerful. We can turn things around in one day and I truly believe in that. I've experienced it myself many times throughout my life and my tennis career. I believe that one match, one tournament can turn things around one way or another,” expressed Djokovic. “It just depends how you deal with it, how you process everything and how you accept it. How you take the positives or the negatives out of it and use it for your benefit in the future."
Despite an encouraging week in Rome, Djokovic's loss to Nadal confirms he will be ranked outside the Top 20 of the ATP Rankings for the first time since 2 October 2006 on Monday. Djokovic was defending 600 points in Rome this week after reaching the championship match last year.
“I really don't see many negatives," Djokovic said. "I see mostly positives from this week. And that's something that I'm going to take into the next week of training for Roland Garros.”
One additional reason behind Djokovic’s marked improvement in Rome may be the support of the fans around the Foro Italico. The four-time champion took time to share his love for the supporters who have attended the event during his career.
“Throughout the past ten years that I've been coming to Rome, the support [has been] incredible,” said Djokovic. “I want to thank everybody again for creating an incredible atmosphere on the court for both players.
“I did feel like [I was] playing at home, really. I can only thank [the fans] for that support and the love they gave me. That's why [Rome] is definitely one of my favourite places in the world to play tennis.”