“Have to Create Pressure”: Novak Djokovic’s Coach Reveals Plan to Stay Focused at ATP Finals

Published 11/18/2020, 12:56 PM EST

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via Reuters

Novak Djokovic will have to create pressure for himself to stay at the top of his game in the ATP Finals, his coach has aid

Speaking to a Bosnian portal, Marjan Vajda said he was content that the Serb’s year-end number one ranking has put him at an advantage in the tournament.

Novak Djokovic’s coach wary of complacency creeping into his game

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However, the coach said he is wary of complacency creeping into the Serb’s game and wants him to stay focused.

via Reuters

“I’m very pleased Novak finished Number 1 this season.

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That is why we are in a better position in London…

…there isn’t so much pressure in this tournament.

Novak will have to create pressure to stay focused,” Vajda said.

Coach happy with Serb’s win in his opening ATP Finals tie

His coach pointed out how Djokovic kept his concentration going in his opening match of ATP Finals.

“I’m satisfied with the first match, he was concentrated and well-balanced…

…he finished the match in a great way.

He controlled the game all the time and combined the shots well,” the coach said.

“I’m a Proponent for Best of Three Matches”: Novak Djokovic Contradicts Rafael Nadal

He said he is happy that Djokovic, despite all his titles, still finds motivation to train hard and compete.

He still finds motivation to train, compete: Coach

“We’re lucky that Novak finds motivation in our process, in training.

Novak is always committed – the formula is the same but we try to be creative.

He always trains well, is physically fit in the right way.

He is mentally relaxed…

…but on the other hand always present, on the field, which is what we want the most,” Vajda said.

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After a sluggish start against Diego Schwartzman, the Serb got his act together to wrap up his opening game at the ATP Finals.

Djokovic conceded a service break to his opponent before bringing his A-game to the fore to beat Schwartzman.

The Serb will play in-form Russian Daniil Medvedev in his next round-robin encounter.

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Djokovic clinched his 17th Grand Slam title this season and became only the second player to have six year-end number ones after Pete Sampras.

He received the award for his year-end ranking at a glittering presentation ceremony ahead of the ATP Finals opener.

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Written by:

Priyabrata Chowdhury

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Priyabrata Chowdhury is a tennis author for EssentiallySports. He has been a print journalist for a decade, producing news pages for leading national dailies such as the Hindustan Times and The New Indian Express. His passion for sports eventually drove him to tennis writing.
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