Novak Djokovic has revealed that he spent almost two weeks having important conversations with Andy Murray before ending his losing streak at the Miami Open. The world No. 5 earned his first match win in two months, beating Rinky Hijikata 6-0 7-6(1) on Friday. Djokovic suffered a disappointing early exit in Indian Wells earlier this month and spent almost two weeks knuckling down with Murray and the rest of his team before bouncing back at the Miami Open, where he is competing for the first time in six years.
There were question marks surrounding Djokovic as he entered the Miami Open for the first time since 2019. The fourth seed had not won a match since beating Carlos Alcaraz in Australia exactly two months ago. But he produced “almost flawless tennis” to win the first seven games of his match against Hijikata before the Australian raised his level in the second set. It was a stark contrast to his performance in Indian Wells, where he lost his opening match against Botic van de Zandschulp.
After spending almost two weeks out of competition, Djokovic opened up about his heart-to-heart chat with Murray, which helped him turn things around after he was left doubting himself.
“Well, I was spending a lot of time actually with my team and training and really talking about the game and what needs to be done, not only from a tennis perspective but also mentally and emotionally,” the 24-time Major winner told Sky Sports.
“What are the things that we need to work on on the practice court? And when the match arrives, what are the cues, what to focus on basically.
“Because I obviously started doubting my game a little bit more after Australia, I didn’t have a great match, I did lose to Berrettini in Doha encounter, he was playing great.
“Then a really poor performance in Indian Wells so I had plenty of time, two weeks almost and I worked on my game.”
Djokovic also had a significant chat with his coach and former rival Murray, which gave him the belief he needed to get off to a perfect start in Miami.
He continued: “Andy and I talked about the game and obviously we both agreed that if I continue doing the right things and if I play good quality tennis in practice sessions, eventually it’s going to come.
“So I really believe in the process and I’m really glad that I started off the Miami Open the way I did today so hopefully I can keep going.”
Djokovic will now face lucky loser Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round as he looks to build on his form in Miami.
“I haven’t played here in six years,” he added. “It’s a great place. I have some amazing memories, obviously mostly from Key Biscane, but I look forward to competing some more.”
