Novak Djokovic reveals he struggled for ‘several weeks’ after rollercoaster win on tennis return

Djokovic beat Tomas Machac 6-3 3-6 7-6(1) on Tuesday in his first match since winning a record-extending 10th Australian Open title.

During his run to a 22nd Grand Slam win, Djokovic appeared to have problems with his hamstring but dropped just one set on his way to the final, before beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets.

“He [Machac] was giving me all kinds of trouble,” said Djokovic about his close first round win at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

“But I guess when it mattered I found another gear and physically you can always be better. I demand the highest of standards and levels of tennis that I can possibly get.

“I did struggle with injury for several weeks and it took me a little bit of time to get used to holding a racquet.

“I haven’t played much tennis coming into Dubai so I’m hoping, as the tournament progresses, I can raise the level of tennis as well.”

In 2021, Djokovic had already beaten Roger Federer’s men’s benchmark of 310 weeks at the top of the ATP rankings, the same year he came one match away from completing the calendar Grand Slam, where a player wins all four majors.

The 35-year-old says he “couldn’t imagine” staying at the top of the sport for so long, having first become world No. 1 in July 2011.

“It’s very special,” he added. “As a young boy growing up in Serbia I dreamt of two things: Winning Wimbledon and being number one in the world.

“I’ve been blessed to achieve both of my childhood dreams several times and when that happens I had to set new goals, new ambitions.

“I’m extremely grateful that I’m still able to play at this level after that many years. It’s a team effort, a family effort, regardless of that fact this is an individual sport

“There’s a lot of hours that go into preparing me to be able to perform at such a high level and being able to endure this many years.

“I’m flattered and thrilled to be amongst the biggest names that this sport has ever had in its history – Steffi Graf being one of them. It’s great, I’m very proud.”

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