After years at the summit of the ATP World Tour, Novak Djokovic suddenly finds himself facing challenges that seemed unthinkable little more than a year ago.
Following surgery on the right elbow that hampered his efforts at the Australian Open earlier this season, the 30-year-old Serbian made a quicker-than-anticipated return to the ATP World Tour at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. His time at the tournament was short lived, however, as he made a shock exit to Taro Daniel in three sets.
“For me it felt like first match I ever played on the tour,” said Djokovic. “Very weird. I mean, I just completely lost rhythm, everything. Just struggled also a little bit with the health the last couple of weeks.”
“I was grateful to be out on the court after surgery that quickly. But at the same time, I just didn't feel good at all.”
Though it may be hard to believe, Djokovic’s loss to Daniel marks the first time since the Olympics in 2012 that he has lost back-to-back matches at the tour level (l. to Andy Murray, l. to Juan Martin del Potro) and his first time losing back-to-back ATP World Tour matches since the Nitto ATP Finals in 2011.
For a player who has overcome nearly every type of obstacle on a tennis court, it might seem surprising that there is an unfamiliar one before him. But, as Djokovic attests, this one is more of a mental mountain to climb than a physical one.
“Obviously having only played a couple of matches in nine months, you're still, in a way, battling inside of your mind whether you're fit or not,” reflected the Serbian. “And even though you don't have pain, you're still thinking about it, because it's been something that I have been feeling and dragging for over two years.”
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In spite of the loss, the former World No. 1 was able to take away some positives.
“I was not even supposed to be here because of the surgery that was only five, six weeks ago. But I recovered very quickly, and I got myself ready,” said Djokovic.
“I'm just happy that I managed to recover that quickly after surgery and just get out on the court.”
At the end of his press conference, Djokovic was asked about his recent trip to the Grand Canyon, which is located six hours west of the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens complex. The experience, he said, was particularly powerful.
“When it comes to energy, it was one of the most powerful places that I have ever physically been in my life. The serenity of the place and connection with nature is quite outstanding. It was a wonderful experience.”
If there was anything to take away from that experience for Djokovic, it’s that canyons can be as inspiring as they are challenging. The canyon he faces in his comeback right now might be an obstacle, but if there’s anyone who can emerge stronger on the other side of it, it’s Djokovic.