Djokovic, on the conditions: "It's like I'm playing two completely different tournaments"

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 22 Jan 2026 | 08.12

Djokovic, on the conditions: "It's like I'm playing two completely different tournaments". Photo: Getty

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Weather conditions once again play a fundamental role in the Open de Australia 2026. The high daytime temperatures and intense humidity make the first Grand Slam of the year a challenge for players in these early tournament days. This has been the case for Novak Djokovic, who has had to adapt quickly.

Serbian player won in three sets against Francesco Maestrelli, but had to work hard to survive an intense day of heat. Minutes after achieving this new victory, Novak Djokovic attended a press conference where he discussed the conditions in Melbourne, his preseason, and the importance of the team.

Novak Djokovic critically analyzes the conditions of the Open de Australia 2026

"Actually, it's the same score as in the first round, so the feeling on the court was quite similar, overall positive. I served better in the first match. It felt as if I was playing two completely different tournaments, day and night, especially with the wind, which I think has been blowing more this year than in any other year I've played here in Australia. You have to adapt to that and to a different opponent with a strong serve. But overall, I'm happy with how I move and hit the ball," explained Novak Djokovic in the press conference.

Novak Djokovic and the work of a long preseason

"I always try to work with a purpose. I had a longer preseason, like the previous one. When I have more time, I obviously try to analyze my game and the different aspects that I can really improve. Otherwise, what's the point? What's the point of competing and going out there without trying to be better than the previous season? That's the mentality I try to have and it has allowed me to play at the highest level at this age.

I'm glad that the work I've done in the preseason is paying off. It's the beginning of the tournament. Obviously, I haven't played any warm-up tournaments. I'm very happy to be able to play like this, considering the absence of competitive matches for over two months. So far, everything has been positive, positive signs. I have to keep going like this".

The importance of a tennis player's team

"You always need at least a pair of eyes next to the court, if not two, three pairs who know tennis, with different levels of experience and different perspectives to see your game and your opponent's. I know tennis very well. Often, especially in competitive weeks, when you're under stress, emotions are not as controlled as in a non-competitive week. So, you have to take care of much more than just your tennis and how you hit the forehand.

Training contributes not only to observing from outside the court how you move, how you play, the technical and biomechanical aspects, but also how you feel, helping you manage your emotions day by day. It goes beyond tennis, beyond executing shots. There are more factors at play because you are an individual athlete. There is no substitute. There is no one who can replace you if you have a bad day.

You have to manage all these emotions and everything that happens to you every day, which may not make you feel entirely well, but you still have to find a way. The coaching staff, the physiotherapist, and the fitness team are there to provide the necessary support for you to excel in your performance and also to find solutions during the match when you feel overwhelmed by what's happening and sometimes can't think clearly. That's why you turn to your team and ask for guidance and observation, which can be very helpful".