Everyone expects a reaction from Novak Djokovic at the Miami Open. The former world No. 1 who will play this tournament for the first time since 2019 absolutely needs to regain confidence after playing one of the worst matches of his entire career against Botic van de Zandschulp in Indian Wells.
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The Serbian legend had arrived in California with important ambitions and it was thought that Andy Murray's support in his box would have been an additional motivation for Nole, as had already happened at the Australian Open at the beginning of the year.
However, Novak's performance against the Dutch ace was disastrous from all points of view and certified all his current difficulties.
During his post-match press conference, the 37-year-old from Belgrade was very frustrated and cited the big difference between Stadium 1 and the secondary courts as one of the causes of his defeat.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion who had already been eliminated in the first round at the Doha ATP 500 seemed far too far from his best version and must immediately react if he wants to avert the risk of a season similar to last year's.
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Djokovic has stopped shining
Djokovic will make his debut in Florida on Friday, March 21, in the hope of finally being able to lift the 100th title of his amazing career.
Interviewed by 'Sport Klub', top analyst Sasa Ozmo confessed that Nole's recent performance in Indian Wells worried him: "The match against Matteo Berrettini in Doha was not so bad, considering that Novak had not practiced much due to the thigh injury.
Berrettini had played his best tennis, but I didn't like the fact that Nole had surrendered in the last game.
Then there was the horrible performance against van de Zandschulp in California.
I think the first set was one of the worst I've ever seen him play. I've heard that the Dutchman played exceptionally, but I don't agree.
It would have been enough for Djokovic to play at 60% of his level to beat him, in fact Botic was eliminated in the following round."
