First win at Madrid in four years for Novak Djokovic, who beat today Borna Coric 6/3 6/4. In 2013 the Serb lost in his first round match against Grigor Dimitrov and got booed from the crowd who cheered against him.
Then in 2014 and 2015 withdrew, but it was not because of the crowd: “I didn’t feel any bad behavior today – Djokovic said – In contrary, I think the people were giving me a very nice reception.
It was the same case when I arrived in Madrid on Friday and had a center court practice. I had really a wonderful welcoming from the people in the organization of this tournament and the people in the stands watching the practice.
I thought it was a great match to be part of. I thought the crowd was entertained. I honestly missed playing here. I didn’t come last two years for certain reasons that were related to the scheduling and the injury that I had, but it was nothing to do with the crowd.
I mean, I always had lots of fun playing here. I know that one of my biggest rivals every is Nadal that comes from Spain, so it’s normal that the people are going to lean towards cheering for him in cases when we play against each other.”
“Was a satisfying performance against a young player that I never played against, against somebody that was in form – he said analyzing the match – He is going to come out on the court not really having much to lose.
But we know each other well. We practice many times. I do see myself in him a little bit. We play similar styles of the game. He’s a great fighter. For his age, quite mature and mentally tough. Ty to help him out whenever I can and mentor him a little bit with some advices.
We have a very nice relationship. Today was the first official match we played against each other, so I was happy with my performance. It was a fun match to be part of.”
About the blue clay in 2012, Djokovic said: “I applaud the innovative and creative spirit of the Ion Tiriac and people from this tournament willing to take the next step and try to change something and bring something more entertaining and interesting for the crowd and players and everybody else in the tennis.
Everything in life is evolving, and we do, too. From that perspective I think it was a good move. Again, didn’t turn out to be a great success. I personally didn’t like playing on that clay. For some reason it was more slippery than red clay.
I found it very difficult to move around and slide, and I think Rafa did, too. Yeah, so, again, it was only one-year affair. Whether or not we’re going to see blue clay in the future, we don’t know.
For now, we’re going to stick with red clay because I think it works the best.” David Ferrer struggled but won against Denis Kudla, beaten 6/4 in the third set.
Instead of some top players like Djokovic, since the marriage, happened last November, The Spaniard did not get good results this year Australian Open expected: “Of course it’s always good to feel well in your personal stuff – Ferrer said speaking about it – Also, Murray and Djokovic married and they are better off.
In my case didn’t go so well professional talking. Personally I’m fine. Perfect. No, no, we don’t put the pressure on Rafa. He has to choose his way. We don’t even talk about that. Kei Nishikori was down 4-5 with Fognini on serve in the third set.”
The Japonese recognized Fabio played better than him: “After first set I think he start playing better than me, for sure. And also third set I think he deserve to win.
I think he played more aggressive and he was hitting better serves and returning well.
Third set I think he was like dominating me in groundstrokes. It’s completely different than first set what happened in second or third. I have to play better tennis for next match.
Yeah, I almost lost today, so hopefully I can play good tennis tomorrow.”
