“After a mini-crisis of not playing my best in Doha and Indian Wells, I really wanted to start off well at this year’s Miami Open. I had two weeks since that first-round loss to Van de Zandschulp, and I really worked hard. I put in a lot of hours with Andy on the court, came in early.”
In between the hard work, Djokovic made time to celebrate the last of the Sunshine Swing events with help from restauranteur-tennis fan Dave Grutman.
“There are so many places in the city,” said Djokovic, echoing WTA world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. “You hit the town, have some great food. [Dave] Grutman is a great tennis fan but we’re also a fan of him, and he’s so nice to all the players, really friendly and welcoming to all of us each year.
“It’s a lot of fun in Miami, on and off the court. It’s a great enjoyment.”
As long as Djokovic continues to feel that enjoyment on court, the 37-year-old promises his career will continue.
“If I’m feeling and playing the way I did today, it’s pleasure and I find joy on the court, regardless of where I am.
“I want to keep going as long as I have that feeling. Obviously, it’s not going to be there every match, but as long as I have that feeling of being able to compete with the guys at the highest level, I’ll keep going. The desire’s there. The support of the closest people in my life is there, so let’s see how far I can go.”
