Novak Djokovic describes the worst court he has played on

Novak Djokovic has competed on different courts worldwide in the previous 20 years. The Serb played on an indoor clay court in the 2013 David Cup tie versus Belgium and described it as the worst surface he had ever played on! Djokovic secured his third consecutive Australian Open title at the start of the year. World no. 1 returned to Europe with no rest and joined the Serbian squad in Charleroi ahead of the Davis Cup World Group tie versus Belgium. Viktor Troicki prevailed over David Goffin in the first rubber to send Serbia in front. In the second rubber, Novak took down Olivier Rochus 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in an hour and 39 minutes to push his country further ahead. Djokovic played in entirely different conditions than in Melbourne and called indoor clay the worst surface he had ever played on! Novak landed 20 aces and dominated with his first serve.

He faced no break points and stole Olivier’s serve five times from ten opportunities to control the scoreboard. Djokovic held at love twice at the beginning of the clash to settle into a fine rhythm. The Serb moved in front with a break in game six, converting the third break chances and opening a 4-2 advantage. World no. 1 squandered two break points in game eight before securing the opener with four winners in the next one. The Belgian saved a break point in the second set’s third game and fired a forehand winner for 2-1. Djokovic moved in front with a break in game five and closed the next one with a volley winner to open a 4-2 gap.

Novak Djokovic defeated Olivier Rochus in the 2013 Davis Cup rubber.

Novak earned another break in game seven after a brilliant forehand crosscourt winner and fired four aces in the next one for 6-2. Djokovic moved in front with a forehand winner at 1-1 in the third set and held in the next one for 3-1. Novak painted a backhand crosscourt winner in game five to secure another break and extend the advantage. World no. 1 moved over the top with three winners in game eight to propel Serbia closer to a place in the quarter-final.

“It’s the worst court I have ever played on. It was hazardous for all four of us, and I had to be extra careful. I’m sure the organizers gave their best, but I’m still worried. Playing on clay after a long time was not easy, indoors and just a few days after the Australian Open final. I struggled with my movement early on and needed time to get used to the conditions. I played my best tennis when I had to, and that’s why I won in straight sets,” Novak Djokovic said.