Djokovic remains disheartened: "The match was better than in Monte-Carlo, but I'm not at the level I'd like to be"

Novak Djokovic has already packed his bags from the Madrid tournament, eliminated this Saturday in the second round of the Madrid Masters 1000.

The former world No. 1 appeared at a press conference, explaining the reasons for his defeat and his current level of motivation:

"Obviously, when you lose a match, you don’t feel good. I knew it was going to be a tricky first match. He’s a quality player, and I don’t have many clay-court matches under my belt. The training sessions were good, but it’s completely different when you step onto the court.

The positive is that it went better than in Monte-Carlo. But I’m not at the level I’d like to be. I have to adjust to this new reality: trying to win a match or two without thinking about going deep in a tournament. It’s something I’ve never experienced in twenty years of my career. A new mental challenge I’m facing on the court.

But it was bound to happen at some point. I’m trying to use this as motivation moving forward. The Grand Slams are the most important tournaments for me. That’s where I want to play my best tennis. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do it at Roland-Garros, but I’ll give everything I have."