Djokovic wins without shining: "I could have played and moved better".
Novak Djokovic didn't go for a walk on Thursday. Facing modest Jacob Fearnley (277th, invited by the organizers), Djokovic found it much harder than expected to qualify.
After a quiet first round, the Serb conceded a set and needed 3 hours of play to get through.
After a very reassuring first match, the world number 2 failed to reassure and raised further doubts about his physical and tennis fitness.
Asked about his performance today, Djokovic readily admitted that he was a long way from his best tennis, but was nonetheless positive: "It was a very windy day, with difficult conditions. You have to congratulate Jacob, he serves very well. I could have won in three sets, but this match deserved to go to the fifth set given the way he played.
I wasn't feeling very well, but I don't want to make excuses, because all the credit goes to Jacob. I could have played and moved better, but I'll feel better as the tournament progresses."
