Novak Djokovic: "It's been a very long year"

Novak Djokovic has said that he was grateful for his short first-round US Open match with Colin Niland yesterday (Tuesday).

Irishman Niland was forced to retire early with food poisoning after trailing the world number one 6-0 5-1.

"I don’t think I am lacking any time on the court or matches this year," Djokovic joked. "It’s been a very long year so I really don’t mind that I spent less time on the court and I thought I played well for the 45-50 minutes that we had.

"It’s unfortunate for my opponent obviously."

Speaking of his gruelling schedule this season, Djokovic said that he forgets about the tiredness when a Grand Slam is in his sights.

"I’m not really tired because I switch to the mode of Grand Slam focus," he said.

"I am trying to be in the present and prepare well and be 100% mentally and physically fit for the matches."

Djokovic was forced to pull out of the Cincinnati Open final earlier this month with a shoulder injury, but he insists that he is now fully fit.

"Throughout the whole week I was carrying pain and discomfort in my shoulder," he said.

"After Cincinnati I took some time off and I did everything in order to recover. Today I didn’t feel any pain and served well so I have no concern."

The 24-year-old is eyeing his third Grand Slam this season after already capturing the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles.