MADRID, May 7 (Xinhua) -- World number one Novak Djokovic said on Monday that he felt fit and rested ahead of the Mutua Madrid Masters.
Djokovic is the top seed for the event which he won last year, but he will be up against stiff competition from local favorite Rafael Nadal. Djokovic had enjoyed seven consecutive wins over the Spaniard, but saw that run come to an end a fortnight ago in Monte Carlo.
The Serb then decided to miss his hometown in Belgrade in order to prepare fully for what is a busy schedule ahead.
"I got in a bit of extra practice and some hard work. What happened in Monte Carlo is behind me. I have worked and practiced well in the past 10 days and I am ready for this week," said Djokovic in his Monday press conference.
"Roland Garros (French Open) is coming along soon, it is the second Grand Slam of the year and it is a goal to prepare for that, but I prefer to take things one tournament at a time. I won here last year and then I won in Rome and that means there is more pressure, but I have learned how to deal with that and I want to do well everywhere," he continued.
"Monte Carlo is now behind me: I think I played well there against top players, but it was tiring and I had no fuel in the tank for the final, where Rafael Nadal was stronger and better, so I skipped a week, because it is now going to be very busy with Rome, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Olympic Games," he said.
Finally Djorkovic was asked about the controversial blue beaten clay, which will be used in Madrid for the first time ever. Several players such as Nadal has said they are unhappy the tournament will be played on such a surface and Djokovic also remains unconvinced.
"It is interesting and we will see what happens, but there are differences when it is compared to red clay. The big disappointment is that it was decided to use it without the agreement of the players. Neither I nor any top player has tested it and there should be some value given to what we say. I hope there are no injuries and it is a good week," he commented.