The most intractable Djokovic, on the cement where it is gripped

The 'number one', after 21 consecutive victories, should improve the performance of its last three years in Indian Wells and Miami.

Novak Djokovic's exceptional streak, with 18 consecutive wins in 2020 for the titles of ATP Cup, Australian Open and Dubai Championships, should be calibrated next week with the start of the American tour. A critical point for the Serbian, who in the last three seasons did not even reach the quarterfinals in Indian Wells or Miami, but now presents himself as a favorite for the double on cement.

After his victory on Sunday against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Dubai final, Nole half-joked the possibility of finishing the season undefeated. “Trying to keep the streak, although it is too early to know how long it will last,” commented the Belgrade tennis player, who had closed 2019 with three other wins in the Davis Cup. So his total baggage amounts to 21 wins of a stroke.

However, the immediate calendar offers some shadows for the 17-majors champion, who made a year ago in Indian Wells sixteenths against Philipp Kohlschreiber and in Miami eighths before Roberto Bautista. His bad feelings in these tournaments continued in 2018 and 2017 with his stumbling blocks against Taro Daniel, Benoit Paire and Nick Kyrgios.

“Very motivated”

“I have set my goals and I have them very clear,” I warned on Sunday as soon as he raised his fifth cup in Dubai. For now, these 21 wins leave you halfway to the best streak of your life, those 43 between November 2010 and May 2011.

As a first step, next week try to reissue what was achieved 2016, when it rose its fifth and last title in Indian Wells. “Try to keep up and without injuries. I am very motivated to do it well,” give yourself the best player on the circuit.

370 points of advantage

For now, his 370-point advantage in Rafa Nadal's rnking allows him to face the most immediate with some sufficiency. The Spanish, semifinalist in 2019 in the Californian desert, can only obviously gain weight in his locker in Miami, where last year he caused it to fall due to his recurring problems in his right knee.

In contrast, Djokovic is outlined with more options to add in both appointments. In his most optimistic horizon, he will face the trip to Cayo Vizcano with the idea of ​​matching the records of Roger Federer (2005, 2006, 2017), Andre Agassi (2001), Marcelo Ros (1998) and Pete Sampras (1994), the Nicos tennis players capable of completing the double in American cement during the Open Era.