Novak Djokovic explains ‘extra motivation’ after ‘really amazing’ Tel Aviv triumph in ATP Tour return

Novak Djokovic has spoken about the “extra motivation” he felt after he sealed an impressive Tel Aviv Open triumph in his ATP Tour return.

“My approach is to win tournaments wherever I am and I’m glad that I have a team of people around me that makes sure that I am in the best shape in order to be a contender to win titles,” Djokovic said.

“That’s why I came to Israel, to try to win the title. First time playing here [since a] Davis Cup tie more than 15 years ago, so it was a really amazing experience.

“I played some very good tennis, I think. I [didn’t] drop a set the entire week. I hadn’t played a tournament in three months, so it was really extra motivation for me to really do well, particularly because people have been so friendly and so supportive of me throughout the week.

“I’m taking some great confidence into next week as well. Just everything really that we experienced this week was positive.

“The way people treated us when we landed in Israel all the way to the last moments now of our stay here has been truly wonderful and I am very grateful because it was more than a tournament for me.

“It was great connections that we established with people, all of us in the team, that we will cherish and will give us positive emotions for what’s coming up.”

As for Cilic, the second seed and eventual runner-up was as positive and gracious in defeat as ever.

“It was a fantastic week for me celebrating my birthday,” Cilic said. “I didn’t have a chance to celebrate with so [many people before], but next time I’m buying drinks, everybody!”

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