"Quite a few things, but I prefer not to...": Novak Djokovic refuses to discuss weird eye problem cited before Miami Open final loss
ATP
Novak Djokovic preferred to show sportsmanship to his opponent Jakub Mensik after losing out in the final of the Miami Open to the Czech star than discuss his eye problem which was cited before the final.
Djokovic was denied a 100th title by Mensik who won in two tie-breaks on a day full of rain delays and saw Mensik rise to the occasion better. But the Serbian was seen with a mark under his eye which arose much questioning.
He said that there were a few things behind it but that he didn't want to talk about it. He said he didn't want to give excuses in defeat showing his humility as ever.
"It's unfortunate for me. Two tiebreaks, just very weird match, weird day with rain delay and all the things that were happening. Honestly, I didn't feel my greatest on the court, but it is what it is. Nothing to take away from his victory," he said in his press conference as per Gulf News.
"I really prefer not to talk about -- there is quite a few things, but I prefer not to... just congratulate him. That's it. I don't want to sound like I'm giving excuses here for my loss."
He also spoke in glowing terms about Mensik's game who he further said trained with him long before the Miami Open final when he was rising up the game so he knew the talent he possesses.
"Obviously his serve is incredible, powerful, precise, wins a lot of free points with the first serve," he added.
"Backhand, as well, you know. Czech school, they always have a great backhand (smiling). But forehand, he's improved a lot. And movement for a tall, big guy like that, he slides and moves well.
"He still can improve, of course. So I'm sure we'll be seeing him around," he added.
Match Statistics Mensik vs. Djokovic
| Mensik | VS | Djokovic |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 14 | Aces | 7 |
| 1 | Double Faults | 1 |
| 67% (52/78) | 1st Service Percentage | 76% (56/74) |
| 77% (40/52) | 1st Service Points Won | 77% (43/56) |
| 54% (14/26) | 2nd Service Points Won | 50% (9/18) |
| 0% (0/1) | Break Points Saved | 67% (2/3) |
| 92% (11/12) | Service Games | 92% (11/12) |
| Return | ||
| 23% (13/56) | 1st Return Points Won | 23% (12/52) |
| 50% (9/18) | 2nd Return Points Won | 46% (12/26) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 2h 05m | Match Duration | 2h 05m |
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