Cincinnati Masters 2014: I’m nowhere near my best, admits Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic admitted that he is not playing his best tennis after an edgy three-set victory over Gilles Simon at Cincinnati Masters.

The world number one moved into the third round after a battling 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win against his tricky French opponent on Tuesday night.

I know I’m not playing at the level yet where I want to be and it’s obvious, but I keep on pushing myself

Novak Djokovic

Djokovic is bidding to claim the Career Golden Masters at the Western & Southern Open – and the Wimbledon champion acknowledged that he must improve.

“I think I did well for the most of the match,” Djokovic is quoted as saying by ATP’s website.

“End of the second, start of the third wasn’t that great, but I try to take positives from every match. I know I’m not playing at the level yet where I want to be and it’s obvious, but I keep on pushing myself.

“Every day is a new challenge to try to look out for a better game tomorrow and after tomorrow, and hopefully it’s going to come.”

Djokovic described his second-round win against Simon as “a fight” after his eighth career victory over the Frenchman.

“His lateral movement behind the baseline is very good,” added Djokovic. “He’s making players play an extra shot, so try to mix it up, change the pace, get the right angle.

“Was working quite well, and then suddenly I start making unforced errors and backed up a little bit and he started dominating the rallies. Then it was a pretty even third set up to the end. But again, it’s a fight. I’m just glad I managed to win this one.”

Djokovic is set to face Spaniard Tommy Robredo or American wild card Sam Querrey in the third round.