Djokovic will get back to his best, insists Nadal

RAFAEL NADAL is sure Novak Djokovic (caricature) will return to the highest level in tennis despite the Serb crashing out of the Madrid Open yesterday after defeat to Britain’s Kyle Edmund.

Nadal’s defence of his title began in comfortable fashion as he coasted to a 6-3, 6-1 win over France’s Gael Monfils.

But Djokovic endured another set-back, losing to world No. 22 Edmund 6-3, 2-6, 63.

Edmund had not taken a set off Djokovic in three previous meetings but the Serb is still feeling the effects of elbow surgery and his opponent took full advantage.

It means Djokovic is left reviewing another early exit ahead of the French Open later this month. The 30-year-old has not gone past the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam since 2016.

“I believe a lot in dynamics, in momentum,” Nadal said.

“Small things happen that normally when you’re in a good momentum, those things don’t happen. When you don’t have that momentum, you’re in a negative way, these things happen.

“I think Novak, step-by-step, is going to be able to recover and be at the level he deserves. I don’t have any doubt he’s going to be back up at the highest level.”

This was only the third time Edmund had beaten a player ranked as high as world No. 12 and in terms of status, Djokovic is by far his biggest scalp yet.

“Kyle was just better in the decisive moments and I was a bit unlucky,” Djokovic said afterwards. “Definitely Kyle is playing the best tennis of his life.

“It’s not the end of the world,” Djokovic said. “Obviously, I’ve played this sport for so many years and had a bunch of success. I try to always remind myself and be grateful for that.

“At the same time, nobody is forcing me to play this sport. I do it because I like it. That’s where I draw my strength.”