Novak Djokovic was guilty of this 'mistake' at Indian Wells – pundit

The Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells last week was Djokovic’s first tournament since winning the Australian Open in January.

But Djokovic opted to arrive in California with his coach Vajda and he was instead supported by his brothers.

After cruising through his second round match, Djokovic was well out of sorts as he was beaten by Philipp Kohlschreiber.

At this week’s Miami Open, Vajda has linked up with Djokovic again as he aims to win a seventh title at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Speaking on Amazon Prime, former British player Sam Smith was asked whether she expects Djokovic to bounce back.

And the pundit predicted an improved Djokovic in Miami after the struggle without Vajda.

Smith said: “He should do.

“I think Kohlschreiber played a really fantastic match.

“I think he might have caught Novak a little cold because he hadn’t played since the Australian Open.

“I was very surprised that his coach Marian Vajda was not there.

“I think it raised eyebrows. I think even champions make mistakes and for me, that was one of them.

“[But] I do expect Djokovic to take things up a level here in Miami.”

As a six-time champion, Djokovic has plenty of fond memories of playing in Miami and he is keen to replicate those feelings again.

“Miami is very special for me because it’s where I won my first ATP Masters 1000 title in 2007,” said Djokovic.

“It’s opened a lot of doors for me and made me believe in myself even more.

“I’m trying to refresh those memories, even though it’s a different venue, and I feel ready to perform here.”

source: express.co.uk