Fever Tree Championships 2018 preview: 4 things to watch out for

Is Novak Djokovic ready for the grass-court season?

Djokovic at Eastbourne 2017

The once all-conquering Serb has gone two years without a Grand Slam and has looked a shadow of his former self during that time. Even this year, after a loss to Taro Daniel at the BNP Paribas Open, Djokovic said, “it felt like the first match I ever played on the tour”, as he looked lethargic and uninspired. However, there were signs of the former World No.1 returning to his ominous best during the clay court season. Victories against Kei Nishikori and Borna Coric in Monte Carlo and Madrid respectively showed signs of promise. Even though he suffered a shock quarter-final defeat to Macio Cecchinato at the French Open, there was an added energy and fire to his game and body language throughout that tournament. In the post-match press conferences, Djokovic showed frustration at his own performance during the match. These are the signs of someone ready to return to the summit of the game.

Djokovic is one of few players who is comfortable on all surfaces, meaning the transition from the red-dirt to grass should not be a problem. This is the second year in a row where Djokovic has chosen to play a build tournament before Wimbledon, competing at Eastbourne last year. In his three victories at the All England Club in 2011, 2014, and 2015, Novak chose not to play a tournament preceding Wimbledon. The key for the former Queen's Club finalist is momentum and getting a string of match wins under his belt. A good showing at the Fever-Tree Championships would certainly help him towards a fourth Wimbledon title.