Djokovic says he’s ready to play well in Rome even if there is “always some things here and there” at his age

Novak Djokovic insists he’s feeling good about his game and his fitness as he prepares to begin his title bid at the Rome Masters.

The Serb, who will lose his world No 1 ranking to Carlos Alcaraz whatever happens in the Italian capital, begins against Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Friday, having struggled for form on clay and with a niggling elbow injury.

But speaking to reporters in Rome on Thursday, the 35-year-old said he was raring to go as he looks to hone his game in time for Roland-Garros, where he will try to win the title for the third time and lift what would be a men’s record 23rd Grand Slam title.

It takes a little bit more time I guess to recover. But I feel good. I miss competition. I love playing in Rome.

Novak Djokovic

“It’s all good, it’s all good,” he said. “I mean, there’s always some things here and there that bother you on this level. It’s normal. Also when you’re not 25 any more, I guess you experience that a bit more than what used to be the case. It takes a little bit more time I guess to recover.

“But I feel good. I miss competition. I love playing in Rome. Historically throughout my career, Rome has always been a very nice tournament for me, had plenty of success, won it many times. Played also quite a few times in finals. My most successful clay-court event and the biggest one coming into French Open.

“Hopefully it can serve, again, as a great, great springboard for me to what’s coming up in Paris where I want to play my best.”

Djokovic was photographed in pain during the build-up to the Monte-Carlo Masters, where he lost early. He also lost early in Banja Luka the following week and pulled out of Madrid to be ready for Rome.

You might also like this

Djokovic goes into Rome with questions to answer

tennis majors

Djokovic returns, Alcaraz and Rune ready to debut – a look at the men’s draw in Rome

tennis majors

Eye of the Coach #73: With Nadal’s injury and Djokovic’s problems, Roland-Garros is as open as it can be

tennis majors