The three-time Rogers Cup champion Novak Djokovic is competing in his first event since his third round defeat to Sam Querrey at Wimbledon and the top seed here in Toronto, defeated Gilles Muller 7-5, 7-6 in his opening round match.
Djokovic praises Muller
Djokovic spoke to the press following his victory over the big server from Luxembourg, "A difficult player to play against in the quick conditions, takes away the second serve a lot as well, he's one of the rare guys that does that. He likes to play quick and I think the warm day like today played a lot in his favour."
The Serb couldn't close it out at 5-4
At 5-4 in the second set, Djokovic was serving for the match but he failed to serve it out and the Serb spoke about his only fault from his match. "It was the only downside to the match today. Other than that, I'm quite pleased with the way I held my nerves and was focused, and overall the performance was very pleasing considering it was the first hardcourt match for a long time."
Speaks about the Zika virus
The Zika virus has forced some of Djokovic's colleagues to withdraw from the event that includes Tomas Berdych, Karolina Pliskova, Simona Halep, Milos Raonic and Jiri Vesely.
However, the world number one is adamant that he will not be apart of that list and he will be travelling to Rio following the conclusion of the tournament in Toronto.
"I did get more information on it and my intention is to play Olympic Games because from the information I got, it's not as it's presented, not as dangerous. Of course, there is always a possibility that you can get the virus but maybe I think the buzz and fuss about the virus have been created with some kind of other intent so I'm not going to get into (it). For me, it's safe enough and I will go."
Djokovic talks about the ATP Players Council
The top seed finally spoke about the work he has put in along with world number two Andy Murray and other players on the tour, "I'm obviously doing everything in my own power and my own field of influence to be a positive example on and off the court."
He further elaborated, "I'm very connected emotionally to this sport. I feel that bond and I try, to be honest, and transfer that passion on the court and off it...So I hope people can relate to that and recognise that."
"As somebody that is on top of the game and has at this moment (a) certain influence, I can try to use that influence, I can try to use that influence and contribute in a good way to the sport. Roger Federer has done that for a long time and Rafael Nadal was also on the council for a long time. I think it's good that the best players in the world are getting involved."
A passionate Djokovic finally said that he wants the ATP Tour to improve more for the future, "(It's) making a positive difference in the sport for the future generations as well, not just for us. We are talking about the seasons to come, '18, '19, '20,"
He added, "Who knows if some of us will still play at that time, but we can do something that is going to leave a mark of our legacy on the sport. Not just as tennis players, but as people who try to live a better sport for future generations."