For a few years, Novak Djokovic simply reminded us how a dominance looks like. The ATP Tour had its own marks in terms of players who crushed the competition. Over a decade ago it was Federer and his 4 years of glory, but from 2014 until the mid of 2016 it was all about Djokovic. A drop off in form and motivation saw the Serb losing his pace and eventually the leading position of the ATP circuit.
In 2017, he was subject of a major upset in the Australian Open 2nd round. His issues had a medical side too, as he was disturbed by some shoulder related problems.
Now, he seems fit and although unexpectedly he will compete in acapulco, Mexic which is an ATP 500 outdoor hard event.
Acapulco's main draw is full-packed with ATP stars
Abierto Mexicano Telcel held between February 27- March 4 has quite an attractive recipe in 2017. While Novak Djokovic is the last addition to the main draw, the Mexican event already has an impressive line-up. Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Milos Raonic, Marin Cilic, Juan Martin del Potro, David Goffin and Alexander Zverev are all set to make an appearance. Judging by these names, it's perhaps the best main draw this ATP event ever had.
For Djokovic, it seems that it'll be a great last rehearsal before going into the Masters' swing.
With such a presentation the stands will provide to empty seats in the following week.
Djokovic could build some momentum
Following the painful early exit from the Australian Open, Djokovic only appearance was in Davis Cup where he had success but the opposition was not that harsh. The level of commitment that the ATP World Tour requires is a completely different league.
From all those great athletes listed above, Djokovic and Nadal are the most entitled to hope for the title, not necessarily because of their intrinsic value but from a physical point of view. All other players have been involved, or still are in some ATP events recently or this week. Despite being the first part of the season, to play one week after another it takes a lot from you as a player.
