Novak Djokovic says he is making progress in managing health issues that have affected him in recent months.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has spoken multiple times about dealing with physical issues but has chosen not to disclose the exact problem publicly. After exiting the Cincinnati Masters in August, Djokovic said he was dealing with an ongoing health problem that causes him ‘a lot of issues, especially when it is humid and hot.’
Alongside these issues, Djokovic has experienced a roller-coaster season on the Tour. He comes into this week’s Paris Masters having failed to win back-to-back matches in four of his last five tournaments played since Wimbledon. However, he won his 102nd ATP title at the China Open earlier this month.
“I still want to do my best in slams but I also would like to play well in other tournaments,” Djokovic said on Monday in the French capital.
“This year the focus shifted to feeling well on the court rather than playing well, to be honest, because for most of the tournaments that I played it was health-wise a big struggle.
“It had nothing to do with my preparation or whether I’m training enough, because I see there are a lot of people that love to express their expert opinion on knowing exactly what’s happening with me, but they don’t.”
This week, Djokovic will play his 11th tournament of the season, one less than Carlos Alcaraz, who missed almost five months due to injury. His win-loss record currently stands at 20-9.
“We’re really getting closer to solving what I have been going through in the last 12 months,” he continued.
“Right away, my performance level, my enjoyment on the court, my feeling is great, and I play better.
“Beijing was the best week of the year, other than Australia, and I thought I played pretty well in Basel, as well. Of course that was a tight match to lose but I’m just trying to enjoy the last couple weeks of the season.”
Djokovic is still in contention to qualify for the ATP Finals, which he has won a record seven times. To do so, he needs a deep run in Paris and hopes his rivals’ results go in his favour. He is currently 11th in the race, with only the top eight qualifying. However, one of those who have qualified, Jannik Sinner, isn’t playing due to injury.
In his opening match, Djokovic faces a tricky test against an in-form Valentin Vacherot. Vacherot recently defeated Rafael Jodar, Holger Rune, Taylor Fritz and Jiri Lehecka en route to winning the Swiss Indoors.
Djokovic is a seven-time champion at the Paris Masters.
