BELGRADE: Novak Djokovic said on Wednesday his confidence had been rocked by a string of poor results after a premature return from elbow surgery but the former world number one vowed to work hard to get back to winning ways.

Having exchanged a few shots with a young prospect after an intense training session in searing heat at his own tennis complex in central Belgrade, the 30-year old Serb conceded that the last 18 months have been testing.

“I have always believed in myself and thats why I was able to make all my childhood dreams come true, but right now my confidence is not at the highest level,” he told reporters.

“Thats not surprising given the lack of results and all I can do is knuckle down to hard work to restore it. A few good matches and one good tournament and it will come back.” Djokovic’s slump began after he won his maiden French Open title in June 2016 to complete a career slam and amass 12 major honours.

A string of below-par performances were followed by Djokovic having to retire against Czech Tomas Berdych in last year’s Wimbledon quarter-finals with an elbow injury which kept him sidelined until January’s Australian Open.

After a last 16 defeat by South Korean upstart Hyeon Chung in Melbourne, Djokovic had another spell on the sidelines following elbow surgery and said he had come back too early because he was hungry to play again.

EARLY EXITS

Since returning he has suffered early exits in Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Miami and Indian Wells.

“That was my decision because I missed playing tennis so much but I was not ready and it backfired,” he said.

“After everything I have been through in the past year or so, I have had to lower my expectations but my motivation and my ambitions remain unchanged.

“After this years Australian Open I wasnt sure whether Id have elbow surgery or not. I was reluctant but then I realised it was the best long-term solution.

“The recent results have not been what we are used to but coming back is a process and all I can do now is knuckle down to some hard work.

“I have had some similar situations in the past but not one quite as challenging as this, so I have to accept it as part of a learning process.” Judging by the ferocity of his shots in training and the vehement exchange of instructions with his coaching staff, Djokovic, currently the world number 12, is determined to break back into the top echelon of the men’s game.

Mobbed by primary school children as he posed with them for photos after the claycourt practice session, Djokovic cut a relaxed and confident figure ahead of upcoming tournaments.

He also rubbished suggestions made by several local nutritionists, who were quoted by Belgrade media in recent weeks, that his meat-free diet was hampering his fitness.

“I dont want to elaborate because people have been twisting facts in the past two years and all Ill say is that I reckon I know whats best for me as an athlete and a person,” he said.

“It doesnt affect me what people say, but it does affect those who are close to me.”

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2018