Fresh from winning the Tel Aviv title on Sunday, the Serb maintained his impressive level of performance at the ATP 500 event. He was in control from the very beginning with accuracy and consistency in his groundstrokes.
“From the start to the end, [it was] a great performance,” said Djokovic post-match.
“Playing in a new tournament, different conditions, and the first match is never easy. Obviously, you are looking to see how you are going to adapt, but I did it perfectly, really, played as well as I can. I just made him work and used every opportunity that was presented to me.”
“I was lucky that throughout my career I was actually pretty quick in adjusting to different conditions and surfaces,” added Djokovic.
“But I think that experience helps of knowing what to do. But [also] winning a tournament, [as opposed to] losing in a final or semis, makes a difference mentally. Coming into this tournament I feel confident, I feel excited, I feel motivated, so I think that helps as well to adjust quickly.”
The win adds 45 points to Djokovic’s ranking points. He is at No.7 and is making his bid to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals. Should he make it, it will be the 15th time in his career since.
He is currently ranked 14th in the Pepperstone Live Race to Turin rankings. He needs to finish in the Top 20 to qualify for the finals where he is a five-time champion.