WORLD NUMBER TWO Novak Djokovic believes the conditions at the US Open are suited to his style of play.
The Serbian lost to Roger Federer in the final of the Western and Southern Open on Sunday as the Swiss maestro clinched the Cincinnati Masters title for the fifth time in his illustrious career.
And it has been a mixed year for Djokovic to date.
Despite claiming the Rogers Cup for a second consecutive year just over a week ago and the Australian Open in January, Djokovic has fallen short at the London Olympics, Wimbledon and the French Open.
However, with the US Open scheduled to start on August 27, the reigning champion is in a positive frame of mind.
“The conditions here are quite different from (the) US Open,” Djokovic said.
It’s a bit slower there, which I think goes in my favour a little bit more, more suitable to my style of the game.
“I’m going to have a week that I think is very necessary for me right now mentally and physically.”
Djokovic suffered a 7-5 6-4 defeat at the hands of Juan Martin del Potro in the Olympic bronze medal match in London, but he is not worried about his recent form.
“I have made more than I expected after Olympic Games. I lost only one match in two weeks on two (ATP) 1000 events, which is great success,” he said.
“So I’m actually feeling good about myself at this moment. I really look forward to New York.”
Meanwhile, Federer is soaking up his latest triumph.
The 31-year-old, who retained his number one ranking on Monday, became the first player in history to win the prestigious ATP Tour event on five occasions.
“When I was a kid, I wasn’t thinking of winning five Cincinnati’s,” Federer said.
But then again, here I am in this great situation being able to do it – the first man ever.
“It’s been another amazing week for me, and I’m having a magical summer. So it’s obviously very nice. And I’m excited about New York now. But I’ll first savour this one for a bit.”
