Tennis: I will work hard to restore my confidence, says Djokovic

EARLY EXITS

Since returning he has suffered early exits in Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Miami and Indian Wells.

"That was my decision because I missed playing tennis so much but I was not ready and it backfired," he said.

"After everything I have been through in the past year or so, I have had to lower my expectations but my motivation and my ambitions remain unchanged.

"After this year’s Australian Open I wasn’t sure whether I’d have elbow surgery or not. I was reluctant but then I realised it was the best long-term solution.

"The recent results have not been what we are used to but coming back is a process and all I can do now is knuckle down to some hard work.

"I have had some similar situations in the past but not one quite as challenging as this, so I have to accept it as part of a learning process."

Judging by the ferocity of his shots in training and the vehement exchange of instructions with his coaching staff, Djokovic, currently the world number 12, is determined to break back into the top echelon of the men's game.

Mobbed by primary school children as he posed with them for photos after the claycourt practice session, Djokovic cut a relaxed and confident figure ahead of upcoming tournaments.

He also rubbished suggestions made by several local nutritionists, who were quoted by Belgrade media in recent weeks, that his meat-free diet was hampering his fitness.

"I don’t want to elaborate because people have been twisting facts in the past two years and all I’ll say is that I reckon I know what’s best for me as an athlete and a person," he said.

"It doesn’t affect me what people say, but it does affect those who are close to me."