Novak Djokovic is still looking for a stronger mental game on court, saying he did not find it in Shanghai.
The world No. 1 said his enjoyment of tennis diminished after winning the French Open. In Shanghai, his goal was not only to stay competitive, but also remain composed.
"When you're preparing pasta and the water starts boiling ... you just turn the heat down a little," Djokovic said following his quarterfinal victory at the tournament. "... You're trying to reach that balance between being concentrated [and] calm and relaxed, and enjoying the moment."
Unfortunately, he was less than composed during his semifinal loss to Roberto Bautista Agut. The Serb smashed his racquet, argued with the umpire and tore his shirt in anger. He cited exhaustion and an overall weakness in his mental game as reasons for his controversial behavior.
"I reached the final of the U.S. Open, won Toronto and have had a couple of good results," he said.
The 29-year-old added, however, that he needs to "regain" his previous form from an "emotional and mental point of view."
"Maybe [I'm] just exhausted by the amount of matches I have had," he said.
Djokovic's next appearance will be at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris.