Lopez on facing Djokovic in Madrid: His level was as high as ever

Feliciano Lopez, who fell to Novak Djokovic in two sets in Madrid on Thursday, says the Serb remains incredibly difficult to beat.

The No. 2-ranked Djokovic has not won a tournament since Doha in January, and he recently fired his entire coaching team.

Lopez, a 20-year veteran, saw Djokovic playing at a similar level as when he was dominating the tour.

“I really liked the way Djokovic played,” said Lopez, who has only beaten Djokovic once in their 10 career meetings. “Hardly any errors. Other days I saw him with ups and downs, but today he was very consistent.”

The Spaniard added that it was normal for players like Djokovic to have dips following a period of being on top, saying that the consistency of the Big Four—Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray—has set too high a standard.

"This year has not started very well,” Lopez told reporters in Spanish. “It's true that he has had ups and downs, but we also have to understand that being up there—having pressure and going on court being expected to win—there comes a moment when the level is not the same. Today he was very good, and victories are what give you confidence."

Djokovic advanced to the semifinals in Madrid when Kei Nishikori withdrew on Friday.