PARIS : Novak Djokovic said he was nearing a solution to the health problems that have disrupted his season as the Serb looks to finish the year strongly at the Paris Masters and secure a place at the ATP Finals.
Djokovic has been waiting for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title since winning the 2023 U.S. Open.
The former world number one reached the Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semi-finals this year but suffered early exits at the French Open and U.S. Open.
“This year the focus shifted to feeling well on the court rather than playing well, to be honest, because for most of the tournaments I played, I didn’t play many, it was health-wise a big struggle,” Djokovic told reporters.
“It had nothing to do with my preparation or whether I’m training enough, because I see there are a lot of people that love to express expert opinions on knowing exactly what’s happening with me, but they don’t.”
Djokovic won his 102nd career title in Beijing last month but followed that success with early exits in Shanghai and Basel.
The 39-year-old is 11th in the ATP Race to Turin standings, with the top eight qualifying for the season-ending tournament. World number two Jannik Sinner’s absence through injury, however, has improved Djokovic’s chances of reaching the finals.
“Whenever I felt better on the court, and lately that’s been the case, we’re getting closer to solving what I have been going through in the last 12 months,” Djokovic said.
“So right away, my performance level, my enjoyment on court, my feeling is great and I play better. Beijing was the best week of the year other than Australia and I thought I played pretty well in Basel, as well.”
Djokovic said he was focused on enjoying the final weeks of the season and improving his fitness, adding that better performances would follow if his health continued to improve.
The Serb faces Valentin Vacherot in his Paris Masters opener later on Tuesday. The November 2-8 tournament will be followed by the ATP Finals, scheduled for November 15-22.
