Novak Djokovic dubbed 'master of the calendar' by Alex Corretja ahead of competitive return

ByLewis Mason

Updated 17/10/2023 at 13:25 GMT

After his stunning victory at the US Open, Novak Djokovic has been absent from competitive tournaments, with Carlos Alcaraz attempting to knock the Serbian off top spot in the world rankings. Djokovic is expected back on court at the Paris Masters at the end of October in a venue where he has been champion on six previous occasions. This will be closely followed by the season-ending ATP Finals.

Novak Djokovic can go straight back into form at his next tournaments despite his recent break from competitive action, believes Eurosport's Alex Corretja.

The world No. 1 decided to skip the recent Asia swing on the back of his historic win at the US Open, which saw him equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 major titles at the top of the all-time list.

Success at Flushing Meadows was followed by Djokovic helping Serbia to reach the last eight of the Davis Cup.

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While the 36-year-old has been happy to leave over a month between competitive matches, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz has been in constant action in an attempt to replace his rival at the top of the world rankings.

And Corretja attempted to explain Djokovic’s approach.

"I think Djokovic is the master of the calendar because he knows exactly what he needs to do in every moment," he told Eurosport.

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“But in order to do that, you need to know your body, you need to know your game. You need to know exactly where is your pick, at which moments.

"So I think Novak does that very well, but at the same time, it's very difficult because it's not easy not to compete a month and a half and then show up and be ready to do that.

“You need to accept the situation the first few days, that maybe you don't feel as good because the other players, they've been playing a lot and you being home - even if you are practicing - is different."

Djokovic is expected back on court at the Paris Masters - where he is a six-time champion - at the end of October, with Alcaraz also in attendance.

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Holger Rune will be defending his title in Bercy, with Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner also among the names expected to compete.

Following the autumnal visit to France, attention will turn to Turin and the ATP Finals in November.

“I think he should be probably one of the biggest contenders or the biggest contender to win the two finals in Turin and in Bercy," Corretja said of Djokovic.

“He's been playing so well through the whole season that he's got so much confidence that whenever he steps on the court, I think he feels that if he's ready, he's going to be almost unbeatable."

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