"I can always produce better tennis": Novak Djokovic his own worst critic after Indian Wells opener

Novak Djokovic acknowledged that he didn't play at his best in his debut at Indian Wells against Aleksandar Vukic. The world No. 1 played his first official match since exiting in the semifinals of the Australian Open against Jannik Sinner and was self-critical regarding the displayed level.

The 23-times Grand Slam champion returned to Tennis Paradise after a 5-year hiatus from the event, and despite a strong start against the Australian, he couldn't close out the match in the second set, having to spend more time on the court before securing the victory 6-2, 5-7, 6-3.

The Serbian tennis player admitted that he didn't begin at his best level. In fact, before the debut, he lost a practice set to Daniil Medvedev. Nevertheless, he mentioned that he can continue improving in his upcoming matches.

"I know I can always produce better tennis. Obviously very self-critical, and I think some extent it's also important because then it puts you in the right mindset of wanting to work more and being engaged in the process of improving on a daily basis, or trying to perfect your game and right the wrongs that you've done in a previous match or previous practice session."

Nole commented that he expects to continue training between matches, considering that Indian Wells is a tournament that extends longer than most. He believes he can improve some details on the days he doesn't play to showcase a better level on the court:

"So that's what I'm going to keep doing and hopefully building my game as this tournament is played over 10 to 14 days, so it allows you to have the practice days also between matches, which then, you know, of course allows you to work on certain specifics in the game."

"I think as the tournament progresses, I believe my game will get better as well, I will feel more confident about myself and my chances to go far in the tournament. I have to take it step by step," Djokovic concluded.