Djokovic close to solving health issues as he eyes ATP Finals berth

FILE PHOTO: Djokovic has been waiting for ⁠a record 25th Grand Slam title since winning his last Major crown at the 2023 US Open. | Photo Credit: AP

Novak Djokovic said he is close to solving the health issues that have plagued his season as ​the Serb looks to secure a place at ​the season-ending ATP Finals by doing well at the Paris Masters.

Djokovic has been waiting for ⁠a record 25th Grand Slam title since winning his last Major crown at the 2023 US Open.

The former World No. 1 reached the Australian Open final and Wimbledon last four, but suffered early exits at the French Open and US Open.

“This year the focus shifted to feeling well on ‌the ⁠court rather than playing well, to be honest, because ⁠for most of the tournaments I played, I didn’t play many, it was health-wise a big struggle,” Djokovic told reporters.

“It had nothing to do ​with my preparation or ‌whether I’m training enough, because I see there are a lot of people that love to express expert opinions on knowing exactly what’s happening with me, but they don’t.”

Djokovic ‌won his 102nd career title in Beijing last month ​before going out early in Shanghai and Basel.

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The 39-year-old is placed 11th in the ATP Finals ⁠standings, with the top eight qualifying for the season finale. However, World No. 2 Jannik Sinner’s absence through injury improves ‌Djokovic’s chances.

“Whenever I felt better on the court, and lately that’s been the case, we’re getting closer to solving what I have been going through in the last 12 months,” Djokovic said.

“So right away, my performance level, my enjoyment on court, my feeling is great and I play better. ‌Beijing was the best week of the year other than Australia and ​I thought I played pretty well in Basel, as well.

“Of course that was a tight match to ⁠lose, but just trying to enjoy the last couple weeks of ⁠the season and on the court feeling better primarily.

“Then the performance will come. We’ll see after that.”

Djokovic ‌plays Valentin Vacherot, who won the Swiss Indoors tournament, in his Paris Masters opener later on Tuesday. The November 2-8 tournament will be followed by ​the ATP Finals from November 15-22.