Djokovic: My elbow is not in ideal condition, I hope to be ready for Srpska Open

BANJALUKA - Serbia's Novak Djokovic, the world number one in men's tennis, said on Monday in Banjaluka he hoped he would be ready for his first Srpska Open match after admitting that his elbow was not in ideal condition.

Djokovic arrived in Banjaluka last night and had his first practice this afternoon.

"It is great to be in Banjaluka. I have been here several times in the past - I have played an exhibition with Viktor Troicki. I remember the amount of love and support people gave me at the time. Thank you all, I am excited to be here again," Djokovic said at a press conference.

Djokovic lost to Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters last week.

"In tennis, you have an opportunity to prove yourself every week. I have turned a new page in that context. I was not satisfied in Monte Carlo, but I have already forgotten about that. I am glad I will have the experience of playing in Banjaluka. An opportunity has presented itself for me to play here in the final stage of my career, and I will be enjoying myself as much as I can. This week is special and my approach will be different. Of course, I want to win, but I also want to enjoy myself outside of the court," he added.

Djokovic is seeded in the first round and will face Frenchman Luca Van Assche on Wednesday.

Van Assche defeated Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka 1-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 in the first round.