Serious setback for Djokovic in Basel with direct impact on Jódar

It was not in the forecast that Novak Djokovic 39 years old and world number 12, lost against an opponent whom he had beaten in the previous eight matches, with a balance of 20-1 in sets. The Balkan has once again shown signs of a new vulnerability in his career. Your body begins to rebel against repeated efforts.

Take care of your calendar, space out your appearances, which gives air to your lungs, a respite for your legs. The problem is that it is then difficult for him to start again in a tournament. He had suffered against the French Ugo Humbert, did not pass against the German Jan-Lennard Struff, 36 years old and number 47.

It is a serious disaster for Novak Djokovic who had announced his desire to compete in the ATP Finals in Turin, the masters tournament. He had resigned in previous editions to take a break. Now that he wanted to return, perhaps because he no longer knows in the future in this event of the best eight, he could be left out.

The defeat in the second round of the ATP 500 indoor tournament in Basel means that he remains behind Rafa Jodarwho provisionally occupies the last starting position, and Alex de Minaurwhich can be surpassed by Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.

They were the great beneficiaries, especially the Spaniard, of Djokovic’s KO, who lost 6-7 (4), 7-5 and 7-6 (5) in 2h.35′. Struff also won the battle of the ‘aces’, 27 to 21 aces.

‘Nole’s’ return to Roger Federer’s hometown ended badly. Champion of the event in 2009, he had not attended Basel since 2011. It was the replacement in his calendar for the postponed Six Kings Slam exhibition. His presence in Turin will be played on the last card of the ATP Masters 1000 in Paris next week.