Novak Djokovic WORRIED about Roberto Bautista Agut clash: ‘He doesn't make mistakes’
NOVAK DJOKOVIC has revealed doubts about his ability to beat Roberto Bautista Agut in their Miami Open last 16 match.
Miami Open: Djokovic says he was 'passive' against Delbonis
Novak Djokovic beat Federico Delbonis in three sets on Sunday to secure passage into the round of 16, but his comments about opponent Roberto Bautista Agut will worry supporters.
Djokovic has put together back-to-back wins at the Miami Open after his disappointing exit from Indian Wells last week.
The 31-year-old crashed out to Philipp Kohlschreiber in the last 32 of the tournament, and he has praised his next opponent before they meet on Tuesday.
He said on Sunday: ”I just need a little bit more consistency I think to hold that level of play throughout the entire match.
++ WANT MORE? KEEP TRACK OF ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND GOSSIP ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE ++
“I think that's what it's going to take to win against Bautista.
“He is one of those players that make you work very hard for every single point. He doesn't make mistakes. Just runs around the court.
"He's very, very consistent and very solid. He improved his backhand, he improved his serve, and his forehand was always very, very solid and powerful."
Not only is Djokovic worried about the talent possessed by his opponent, he is also beginning to doubt his own performances.
I should have done better mentally than I did in the first set and also the end of second set
He continued: ”To be honest, I lost my focus.
"I should have done better mentally than I did in the first set and also the end of second set.
“I managed to really play well the last couple games of the first set, to go up a break and put myself in front, but then I played a couple of really bad service games.
"Credit to Federico [Delbonis], he stepped up. He was the one controlling the pace. I backed up.
Djokovic reveals why new stadium for Miami Open suits him
“I didn't have that much depth and power in my shots and he used it. He didn't have anything to lose.”
Roger Federer is in action on Monday against Filip Krajinovic after struggling past Radu Albot on Saturday.
Federer said of his next opponent: “I practised with him in Australia and he played very well against be there, and I like his game.
“I think that his talent makes him a dangerous player plus he has just beaten Stan [Wawrinka] so I’m sure he’s ready.”