Djokovic was training with Aslan Karatsev, with members of the Serb’s support staff in attendance. The conditions prevalent were extremely windy, causing clay to fly around, which reportedly upset the World No. 1.
As per the reports, Karatsev did not endure much of a problem while returning shots even though the wind played spoilsport. Djokovic, on the other hand, wasn’t one bit pleased about his shots, bellowing out in frustration to coach Goran Ivanisevic at one point.
“Bring me a towel after every point, clay flies in my eyes non-stop” - Novak Djokovic to physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic during the training session
Goran Ivanisevic was the only member of the World No. 1’s team who was allowed to communicate with the star player as everybody else was reduced to mere onlookers.
It was also reported that Djokovic insisted on repeating every point in which he made an error. In one instance, he strongly requested his physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic to bring him a towel in order to wipe away the clay particles from his eyes and face.
Soon, the crowds around the practice court started to increase, with more fans keen to catch a glimpse of the World No. 1. Despite the attention from the masses, it was reported that the Serb struggled to compose himself.
The 20-time Major champion has endured a strange campaign so far, featuring in only four matches in four months. He lost two of those matches, including a second-round exit at Monte-Carlo to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
The Serb’s vaccine status not only got him deported from Australia without playing a single match, but also prevented him from participating in the Indian Wells and Miami Masters.
Djokovic will begin his campaign in Serbia against fellow countryman Laslo Djere.
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