‘I will play better’ – Novak Djokovic fires ominous warning to Hubert Hurkacz ahead of Paris semi-final
Novak Djokovic has sent an ominous warning to Hubert Hurkacz as he insists he is only going to get better at the Paris Masters.
The world number one, who is making his return to competitive action after his US Open final disappointment, admits he is playing nowhere near his best despite reaching the semi-finals.
After comfortably dispatching Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3, the Serb set up a meeting with the talented Hurkacz, whose win over James Duckworth ensured his place in the prestigious ATP Finals.
Djokovic looked back to his breathtaking best at times during the Fritz contest and fired a warning to his upcoming opponent as he looks to book a place in the final.
“I felt good, considering that it was only second match back on the tour since the finals of US Open,” Djokovic said. “I’m through to the semi-finals, so I have to be satisfied, but also there are things that need to improve and I know that.
“Nothing is guaranteed but I have trust and faith in myself, in my game, and I feel the more time I spend on the court, the better I’m going to play.”
Whilst the battle for the Paris title is ongoing, so too is the race to finish as the world number one which Djokovic could clinch should he lift the trophy this week, though Daniil Medvedev is keen to keep the race going.
“Of course,” he said. “That’s actually the biggest reason why I came here, trying to clinch the year-end No. 1. Hopefully I can do it during this week. If not, then I’ll have another chance in Turin.”
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