Novak Djokovic: 'I took my game to a different level'
Novak Djokovic defeated Salvatore Caruso in straight sets, 6-3 6-3 6-2, to reach the French Open fourth round. In a press conference the world No. 1 said: "It was a different day in terms of conditions. The warmest day so far. It was challenging. Obviously the ball was bouncing differently. In these kind of warmer conditions the play changes a bit. Caruso was very motivated. I thought he stepped into the court having a clear game plan, attacking the ball from both forehand and backhand. He was hitting backhand very, very good, very solid. He pleasantly actually surprised me with his game. I had to, you know, change my tactics quite a bit throughout the match. I think midway through the match I kind of stepped it up a little bit. I feel like I took my game to a different level, which then resulted with easier third set. But it was a straight-set win, but as you said, it was tougher than the score indicated."
The Italian had never gone so far in a Grand Slam. "I enjoyed every moment, yesterday night my parents came, this morning my sister while my brother has been here in Paris for some days. I am satisfied for how it went, for how I dealt with emotions on such a big stage in front of so many people. I am looking forward to go there again. In the first two sets I almost competed at the same level as the world No. 1, then in the third my level dropped a bit. But his level never drops, that's impressive. I have to learn from that: in order to play against such strong opponents you have to raise your level and be more consistent, more solid all the time", said Caruso who did not convert all the five break points he had. "Djokovic was very good in saving them."
He headed into the French Open as a world No. 147, now he will be No. 121. "I withdrew from the Poznan Challenger next week because after many matches, six, between qualies and main draw in Paris, I have to recover. I am tired. I will comeback in the grass season."
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2WKGk8Y
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