Italian Open Djokovic back in action

Serb says everything is going in right direction

ROME:

Novak Djokovic returns to clay-court action after a three-week break hoping to put the final touches on his impeccable game with a fourth title at the Italian Open.

Despite starting 2015 by winning a fifth Australian Open and then taking the first three Masters 1000 titles of the season at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo, the Serb knew that taking time away to recharge was his best season strategy.

“I’m healthy and very confident. Everything is going in the right direction,” said the Serb, winner in Rome in 2008 and 2011 as well as last year.

The same cannot be said for second seed Roger Federer, who made a late decision to play after losing in the second round in Madrid to Australian Nick Kyrgios three days after winning a third title of 2015 in Istanbul.

Rome has been a career minefield for Federer, who has never won the title at the Foro Italico.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2015.

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