Novak Djokovic says he's "pleased" with his level at RG, reveals that over 75% of men's players have signed up for PTPA
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic was in sublime form on Thursday, beating Pablo Cuevas in straight sets to book his place in the third round at Roland Garros. Djokovic never took his foot off the gas and struck 31 winners in a match that many believe is a sign the Serb is rounding into form at the right time.
Speaking to the media after the encounter, Novak Djokovic claimed he was happy with the level he has showcased in the tournament thus far. The Serb also admitted that Cuevas was a tough customer given his claycourt pedigree.
"I am pleased with my performance in the first two rounds," Djokovic said. "Cuevas is tough to handle in these conditions, bouncy, he is a clay-court specialist. Hopefully, I can go deep in the tournament, I am feeling well."
Novak Djokovic believes the conditions in Paris are different than in previous years, and he also highlighted how the balls being used in the tournament are "bouncy" in warmer weather.
"These Wilson balls are bouncy, especially in the hotter conditions, you have to adjust that and to try to serve well," Novak Djokovic said. "The court I was practicing at was also a bit slippery."
Businessmen in the US have helped create structure and foundation of PTPA: Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic was previously asked to shed some light on the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the new association that the Serb launched in a bid to safeguard the interests of players.
Novak Djokovic remarked that the outfit had roped in over 75% of the top 500 singles players and top 150 doubles players on the men's side. The Serb also asserted that the PTPA was intent on getting female players involved as well.
"We have over 75% of them that are supporting us that have signed the document and agreed to be part of PTPA," Novak Djokovic said. "We did reach out to all the players in the top 500, top 350 singles, top 150 doubles on the men's side, and we also are reaching out to the female tennis players. Things are going a little bit slower with the women's side."
Djokovic further claimed the PTPA has attracted several "wealthy and influential people" who have pledged their support to the organization.
"We have a couple of very wealthy and influential people, successful people in business that are tennis fans that are from USA and that are behind us, supporting us financially, and also with their advice and consultations," Djokovic said. "They are participating in every conference call that we have."
"They are helping us create the structure and the foundation of PTPA that will be exactly what we imagine it to be, the association that will represent the player's rights as best as possible," he added.
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