Novak Djokovic isn’t expecting big things in Madrid (Image: Getty)

Novak Djokovic has confessed that his expectations for the Madrid Open aren’t high as he returns to the tournament for the first time in three years. On his last outing in 2022, the world No. 5 lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final. Djokovic had a tough start to the clay swing, losing his opening match in Monte-Carlo and slamming his “horrible” performance.

The three-time Madrid Open champion is now back in action in Spain, with coach Andy Murray by his side. While he’s excited to return to the tournament, Djokovic admitted he isn’t anticipating a good result, but he still hopes to peak at the French Open.

It’s been two weeks since Djokovic suffered a shock opening-round defeat to Alejandro Tabilo at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Ahead of the tournament, the 37-year-old made it clear that he wasn’t expecting big things.

However, after losing 6-3 6-4, Djokovic said he never thought he’d play “that bad”. The dejected Serb added: “Just horrible. Horrible feeling to play this way, and just sorry for all the people that have to witness this.”

The world No. 5 has a chance to turn things around this fortnight in Madrid, where he is competing for just the second time since 2019.

Djokovic has often skipped the Spanish event, which is played at high altitude, meaning the conditions differ from those at the French Open and other clay competitions. But he’s looking forward to making his return.

“I missed the atmosphere, it’s one of the best we have. The entire centre, with the stadiums, are very beautiful and electric, especially at night,” the three-time former champion said on Thursday.

Novak Djokovic has been out on the practice court with coach Andy Murray (Image: Getty)

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While Djokovic has a good record in Madrid, he knows it will be difficult to find his groove, having barely competed here in the last six years, and is focusing on getting matches ahead of the second Grand Slam tournament of the season.

“I always have a good level of tennis when I play in Madrid, but I haven’t won much in the last few years,” he added.

“Now I’m looking for the level where I can play my best, to see the tennis I want, especially for Roland Garros.

“I don’t have high expectations for my result, to be honest. We’ll see. I’m really excited to play here because the people are supporting me, I’ve been feeling it these days training with the fans, a lot of positive energy. I hope I can use this to play well.”

Djokovic had been placed in the same half of the draw as No. 2 seed Alcaraz, the last man to beat him in Madrid. But, earlier on Thursday, the Spaniard announced that he was pulling out after picking up two new injuries.

It means the Serb is no longer set for a potential semi-final rematch with Alcaraz. But he’s sad to see the home favourite withdraw.

Djokovic explained: “It’s not very good news for the tournament. Carlos has been the number one star here for the last two or three years with the Spanish fans, who give him a lot of support.

“He won Monte Carlo, and two days later he played in Barcelona, ​​another final… Physically, he’s expected to have some problems.”