Andrey Rublev explains what Novak Djokovic needs

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World No. 8 Andrey Rublev says he understands the difficulties Novak Djokovic has been going through this season but he expects the Serb to overcome all the challenges and regain his old level. 

After being denied participation at the Australian Open, Djokovic kicked off his season in Dubai in late February. 

Djokovic was then denied entry into the United States for Indian Wells and Miami but was allowed to start the clay season in Monte Carlo.

"No, it has nothing to do with the feeling of the ball or physics at all. It's more psychological. When you're under pressure, you don't know if you'll be able to play at all or not. Then the Covid rules are abruptly abolished, you understand that there will be an opportunity to play the season," Rublev told Championat, as quoted on Sportskeeda.

Rublev: Djokovic needs a couple of strong wins 

"But most of them did not perform, but were in these experiences. And if you start playing at the first tournament in the UAE, Monte Carlo at No. 1, then expectations are high. But you didn't play, there's no rhythm — it gets lost quickly. I'm sure when he's training, it's perfect to catch the confidence for a match. Play a couple of matches, win against good players, and then it will all get better quickly."

On Sunday, Rublev defeated Djokovic 6-2 6-7 (4) 6-0 in the Belgrade final. 

Djokovic won a tight second set to force a decider but Rublev bounced back impressively as he broke the Serb three times in the third set to escape with a three-set win and clinch his third title of the year. 

"It depends in what format. If it's just a flashback that it was a cool week, then yes. There are some moments that remained in my head. It is to think or remember, to scroll through in your head, what happened to win in the final against Novak - there is no such thing," Rublev added.

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