Djokovic: "I Liked My Chances More At Night"

[Mark-x]

Five-time former champion Novak Djokovic was full of praise for Philipp Kohlschreiber after the German’s surprise victory on Tuesday at the BNP Paribas Open.

Having briefly started their third-round match on Monday night, only for rain to washout play, Djokovic returned to Stadium 1 during Tuesday’s day session and found Kohlschreiber a different proposition. Read Match Report 

“I liked my chances more at night against Kohlschreiber, but it wasn't to be last night,” admitted Djokovic, after his 6-4, 6-4 loss to the German veteran. “It was raining. But [it was] completely different conditions today. [The] ball bounces much higher. Obviously, he uses his spin very well. I wasn't playing well. One of those days. I congratulate him for playing tactically really well and getting me out of my comfort zone. He deserved to win.

“He's been around for so many years, and he doesn't really get overwhelmed by the occasion of playing on centre court or anything like that. He's proven he can win against top guys. It's not really a surprise… When he's feeling the ball on a given day, he can really win against anybody on any surface for that matter.”

Djokovic, who had lost to Taro Daniel in the 2018 second round at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, returned to a match court 90 minutes later on Wednesday, in the partnership with Fabio Fognini, to record a 7-6(6), 2-6, 10-6 victory over Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau in the doubles quarter-finals.“I don't enjoy losing, nobody does, but especially in a tournament like this, [a] tournament where I have had plenty of success in the past,” said Djokovic. “I thought I was in a good form. I was practising well. But it just happens, one of those days. You just have to deal with it, move on, turn the next page.

“Miami is the next tournament singles-wise for me, [but] I'm going to try to go all the way here in doubles. I'm really excited about that and [will] get some good practice in.”

Edited March 14, 2019 by -Dark ✖
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