'Novak Djokovic seems pretty irritable', says former Roger Federer's coach

Novak Djokovic could not find a better way to forget the resounding disqualification he suffered in the round of 16 of the US Open. The triumph at the Internazionali d’Italia, the fifth in his career in Rome and the 36th at the 1000 level, sealed yet another dream season for the Serbian, capable of triumphing in five of the six tournaments played in the last nine months. Tennis pundit and former Roger Federer's coach Paul Annacone recently discussed Novak Djokovic's historic triumph at the Italian Open. Annacone also stated that Djokovic, despite his on-court form, might have a few too many distractions off the court.

Annacone on Novak Djokovic

Paul Annacone, who has coached 20-time Major winner Roger Federer in the past, seemed to agree with Novak Djokovic's sentiment. "He said it, it hasn't been his best week. I think the key for all great players is finding ways to win even when it's not your best week," Paul Annacone told Tennis Channel. "And that's what Novak Djokovic did, we saw it today. Coming back from 3-0 in the first set, a double break down," Annacone added. But Annacone pointed out that while Novak Djokovic has had his off-court issues, he has shown tremendous grit and focus to keep playing at a sufficiently high level. "He continues to amaze. His game is so efficient, and he knows how to manage it. The only thing that would worry me is his frame of mind, more than anything, because he seems pretty irritable," Annacone said. "If I were him or his team, I would say take a couple of days off from tennis. Just relax a bit and get away with it. Just recharge," Annacone added. World number one Djokovic beat Argentine Schwartzman 7-5, 6-3 in Monday's final to win a fifth Rome title, and a record 36th Masters crown to move one better than Nadal. "But, you know, definitely Diego showed that Nadal is beatable on clay," added the Serb. Conditions in Roland Garros could also have an impact, with the tournament pushed back to autumn because of the coronavirus pandemic. Nadal "prefers high bounces, that it is hot, that the ball goes fast," said Djokovic, the French Open champion in 2016. "So let's see. It's going to be interesting. I think even though he's the number one favourite, I think there are players that can win against him there."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2RNrHNZ