Djokovic hesitant about London preparations

PARIS (AFP) –

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns the ball to his US opponent Sam Querrey during their Paris Tennis Masters Series indoor tournament match at the Bercy Palais-Omnisport (POPB) in Paris. With an opening-round loss, poor fitness and a father reportedly ill in a Serbian hospital with respiratory problems, Djokovic on Wednesday appeared to be slightly unsure of his immediate tennis future.

With an opening-round loss, poor fitness and a father reportedly ill in a Serbian hospital with respiratory problems, Novak Djokovic on Wednesday appeared to be slightly unsure of his immediate tennis future.

With five days to go before the start of the year-end World Tour Finals in London for which he has already qualified, the Serb was still absorbing a 0-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 second-round defeat against journeyman American Sam Querrey at the Paris Masters.

While refusing specifically to react to reports on his father’s situation, Djokovic did admit that he has not himself been the picture of health.

“I’ve not been feeling very good the last few days,” he said.

Reports from Serbia suggest that Djokovic made a quick visit home to see his father this week, something the world number two refused to address.

He also seemed to leave at least some of his intentions concerning London open to speculation.

“Now that I’m done with the tournament, I will sit down with the team and see what’s the best thing to do before London,” said the ousted second seed.

“The way I feel, I definitely need a few days’ rest, and then try to get a few days’ practice before the tournament starts.”

The last two places in the eight-man London field are being decided this week.

But the main talking point has been the retreat from an ATP decision to shorten the season – a former player demand – by eliminating the rest week prior to the London spectacular which players rate almost as highly as the grand slams.

While he is surely expecting to play, Djokovic also added: “There is no guarantee that you can be 100 percent, especially at this time of year.

“The players have played so many matches and (are) obviously struggling to be fresh.

“You’re trying to find that last drop of strength, mental and physical, in order to play your best.

“These are big tournaments, and there is definitely no compromising in trying to think of maybe skipping the (Paris) event or playing less or saving energy in order to play well in London.”

Roger Federer pulled out of defending his title here in Paris after losing the Basel final at the weekend, in order to be fresh for London even after winning Basel, Paris and London – three concluding events over four weeks – in 2011.