Former doubles Grand Slam champion Chanda Rubin thought Novak Djokovic got a bit lucky to scrape past Laslo Djere in his Belgrade opener but added that might have been exactly what the Serb needed.Ā
On Wednesday, Djokovic kicked off his Serbia Open campaign with a hard-fought 2-6 7-6 (6)Ā 7-6 (4) win over Djere.Ā
Djere had a 6-2 4-3 40-15 lead on his serve but failed to capitalize as Djokovic claimed a comeback win.Ā
On Thursday, Djokovic claimed another comeback win as he beat Miomir Kecmanovic 4-6 6-3 6-3.Ā
“I think it is, I think getting through the match yesterday where he really had to battle – got a little bit lucky, took advantage of his opponent may be getting a little nervous, but that’s tennis,” Rubin said on Tennis Channel, per Sportskeeda. “And Novak Djokovic understands that sometimes it’s just one match, it may be a moment in a match that really sparks your tennis and helps you through the rest of the year.”
Rubin: Djokovic could benefit from these hard-fought wins
Djokovic didn’t impress in his first clay tournament of the year as he suffered a shock defeat to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his Monte Carlo opener.Ā
After an early exit in Monte Carlo, Djokovic entered Belgrade hoping to find some rhythm and momentum.Ā
“And I think for Djokovic, getting onto this red clay, it’s a surface where he has, you know, such an advanced skill set, the fact that he’s getting through these tough matches, gaining the confidence and Kecmanovic, he’s been playing well, he’s an in-form guy,” Rubin said. “So it was a good test for the level of Novak Djokovic.”
Djokovic has made it clear this week in Belgrade that preparing well for the French Open remains his top priority.
Last year, Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal in the French Open semifinal en route to winning his second title at Roland Garros.Ā