Novak Djokovic - I Need Time

Novak Djokovic said Sunday he needs "some time" to rediscover top form after his historic season was interrupted by a six-week injury break.

The top-ranked Serb resumes at the Swiss Indoors with a 64-3 record this year, after a back muscle injury forced him to retire from a Davis Cup semifinals singles match against Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina on Sept. 18.

"Certainly, it's going to take me some time to get back to the right shape," Djokovic said.

The U.S. Open, Wimbledon and Australian Open champion faces 50th-ranked Belgian Xavier Malisse on Tuesday in Basel, the hometown tournament of 16-time Grand Slam singles winner Roger Federer.

"I don't expect myself to be 100 percent in this tournament but obviously I will try," said Djokovic, who beat Federer in the 2009 final here and lost their rematch a year ago.

Djokovic succumbed to pain that had flared up days earlier during his intense, 4-set victory over Rafael Nadal to earn his first U.S. Open trophy.

Though the muscle tear was "quite bad," Djokovic acknowledged the timing was a blessing.

"The injury is never welcome … but it came in the right moment, let's say. It gave me a little more time to rest and recover," he said. "I think it was the longest (break) I had in the last four or five years."

Djokovic said he had daily therapy on his back while missing the Asian tournament swing, and a shot at beating John McEnroe's dominant 82-3 season in 1984.

He now has just Basel, the Paris Masters and season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London remaining, and must win all three to get close to the American's mark.

"I don't feel unbeatable and I don't think anybody is," Djokovic cautioned. "It's just a matter of the right momentum, the confidence you are building up.

"Sometimes you see the ball as a water melon. You feel so good on the court, you trust every shot that you have. I guess every top player has experienced that and has experienced the bad times as well."

The good times really rolled for Djokovic after leading Serbia to its first Davis Cup title last December in an emotional final in Belgrade against France.

His determination to help defend that title worsened the injury he brought home from New York.

"I decided to play Davis Cup which turned out to be a wrong decision somehow for my health," Djokovic said. "But I don't regret it because I do things as well with my heart and I wanted to play for the Davis Cup team."

The enforced break also took Djokovic out of the spotlight having become world number one on winning Wimbledon in July.

"I think I'm doing well handling everything that (comes) with the new position that I have. I haven't changed my professionalism or anything like that in the last couple of months," he said.

"We're trying to do things that we always have done and keep a simple life. That's the only way I can keep playing well and performing well and winning titles."

Djokovic believes that he "matured mentally" — on and off the court — to create a foundation for success.

"It took me maybe longer than I expected to really start believing that I can win Grand Slams next to Roger and Rafa," he said.

He has also talked of marrying his longtime girlfriend Jelena Ristic.

"Whoever says you have to make a line between private life and professional life, I don't think that's true," Djokovic said.

"It has to be balanced. You cannot run away from that fact. I got everything together in my private life as well."

Courtesy: USAToday

Novak Djokovic Is The Man - Ivanovic

Serbian former No. 1 Ana Ivanovic has nothing but admiration for compatriot Novak Djokovic as the current top man in the game makes his return to tennis after six weeks away with a place at the Swiss Indoors.

The Basel event in the hometown of Roger Federer is also drawing the interest of Ivanovic who lives in the city. "I wish I could do the same thing and learn," said the 2008 French Open winner whose game dropped off after her own triumph to leave her with a 26th ranking. "It's crazy, he is a hero in Serbia.

"What he has achieved the dream of every athlete. I'm so happy for him, because we are very close friends. I've seen him with the title win in Australia and I know how happy he is," Ivanovic told Switzerland's Sonntag Blick tabloid.

Amid the platitudes, Ivanovic also admitted that the winner of ten titles this season is keeping much of the secret to his success to himself and his team. But he did drop a hint to his fellow player: "He says it was a matter of being happy and enjoying what you do. Then he just starts making jokes."

Ivanovic, who is working to restore of parts of her own game that have gone to seed, ticked off the Djokovic attributes: "He has the best total package on the court - one of the best returns, a great backhand, his agility and his attitude."

Courtesy: TennisTalk

Novak Djokovic - Warm Up In Basel

Sorry, I cannot seem to be able to embed this video so here is the link.

http://www.videoportal.sf.tv/video?id=a0bf927c-d382-4169-9cee-6284666b8c5e

Found on doartenis

EDIT

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/28102011/58/djokovic-excited-return-basle.html

For those that need it in English :)

Novak Djokovic - Draw & Analysis

Novak has certainly been draw into the better half , avoiding local man Roger, in form Tipsy and big serving Roddick.

Xavier may pose a slight problem as he likes to S&V.  Round 2 is still unknown as it will be a qualifier.  QF could be anyone.  SF should be Berdych or Melzer with final again being a choice of a few players.

Hopefully Novak will get some decent match practice under his belt in preparation for Paris & London.

Ajde Nole!

Novak Djokovic - Arrives In Basel

Novak has been updating his Twitter account as he took a stroll around Basel.

@DjokerNole: Arrived in Basel(Switzerland),and had a nice walk in the city with my team.It is beautiful piece of art on the wall ... http://t.co/2iYVgEjq

@DjokerNole: Played some guitar .. Guess with who??? http://t.co/ctEDWDgM

@DjokerNole: Jimi Hendrix :-) http://t.co/AtwgdY0p

@DjokerNole: Legends of music : Santana,Mercury.. Fantastic ART! All the credit to who ever has done it. http://t.co/PmJ4MRKI

@DjokerNole: By the way,arrived to Basel to practise indoor before tournament that starts on monday.Happy to say that so far i am practising pain free!

@DjokerNole: I will update you tomorrow with some pics from my practise ..GN

@DjokerNole: Had to tell a joke to Mick Jagger. He liked it :-) http://t.co/J0tVxEgI

Excellent to hear that his back is giving him no trouble :-)

Novak Djokovic - Paris Press Accredication

It is getting close to the Paris Masters and I am getting myself ready for my trip behind the scenes.

If anyone has something specific that they would like Novak then leave your question here and I'll do my best to get an answer.

Thanks

Novak Djokovic - Abu Dhabi Debut Next Year

Six stars from the current top 10, including three of the top four led by world number one Novak Djokovic, will once again put the tennis world's spotlight on Abu Dhabi from December 29-31 this year.

Djokovic will be joined by world number two and 10-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, world number four and holder of 16 Grand Slam titles Roger Federer, world number five David Ferrer, world number nine Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and world number 10 Gael Monfils and the six will chase a prize fund of $250,000.

For tennis fans in the UAE and the region, it cannot get better than this as one of the current top four will be on the courts of the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City on the opening day of the three-day event, while the champions serve notice of their intentions for the New Year and season ahead in 2012.

Djokovic said in a message: "I've heard so much about Abu Dhabi and it's a place I've always wanted to see for myself and play here with some top competitors. This season has been very special as I've probably played the best tennis of my life, but I remain focused on the future and continuing my form into next season starting with Abu Dhabi. Obviously a tournament of real quality to begin the season is vital for building early momentum and the Mubadala World Tennis Championship is the perfect place to start."

Nadal, who has been a regular here, said: "Having seen the strength of the field, I'm already looking forward to a serious test and defending my title. I know I'll need to be at my best, so it's exactly the preparation I need ahead of the Australian Open."

Shatha Al Romaithi of Flash Entertainment, who addressed yesterday's press conference to announce the line-up said: "This year's line-up is spectacular. From the moment the first ball is struck, sports fans will get exactly what they are looking for — the chance to witness arguably the greatest rivals in world sport as they go head to head at the start of the global tennis season here in Abu Dhabi.

Greg Sproule, Managing Director of event manager IMG's operations in the Middle East, said: "The unique ability of this championship to touch both the lives of the individual in Abu Dhabi and sports fans around the world is part of its success. The Mubadala World Tennis Championship has come to mean something very special.

Factfile

Dates: December 29- December 31, 2011

Players

Novak Djokovic - World Number 1

Rafael Nadal - World Number 2

Roger Federer - World Number 3

David Ferrer - World Number 5

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - WorldNumber 9

Gael Monflis - World Number 10

Venue: Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi

Prize money: $250,000

Defending champion: Rafael Nadal

Title sponsor: Mubadala

Courtesy: gulfnews

Novak Djokovic - Tennis Academy Named in His Honour

Starting from 1st of November, Academy named after the best Serbian and World tennis player- Novak Djokovic will begin its work.

In this Academy 20 the most talented players of the tennis will make their path to fame. Trainings will be held during winter days one of two times per day, on two indoor courts and under the supervision of a professional team. They will be held every working day while sparring matches will be played on weekends. The Academy includes all-day work, which means that students will have the training before and after noon, so a member could go to school and train once a day.

It’s planned to develop the Academy as one of the world's largest tennis center. Monthly membership is 800 to 1,300 euros depending on whether a member train once or twice a day.

Courtesy: expatserbia

Novak Djokovic - What A Point!!

BRILLIANT VIDEO, I love the cameo by Pierre :-)

Courtesy: dulebox

Paris Press Pass

Here is the website I am reporting for. 

We have been able to get one of our writers apress pass into the BNP Paribas Paris Masters event next month. Expect to see great coverage from the event including photos, videos and great reports on the matches.

I wish I was the one behind the scenes who couldinterview all the players!

Looking forward to your reports Clare!

p.s. If you are attending a tennis event around the globe and want to get a press pass to exclusively report on the event for TheTennisTimes.. then get in touch.

Sorry for the neglect

But i'll be back in action once Novak steps back on court in Basel.

I am currently putting together a dossier on the players to take with me to Paris. Just little bits of info that may help me should I ask any questions in the pressers. Still cannot quite believe that I am going to be able to behind the scenes.

:-)

Very Special Announcement

Fellow tennis fans, I have some fantastic news.

I have received Press Accreditation for the Paris Masters next month :-)

How great is that? I shall be working for The Tennis Times but don't worry, everything I write will be linked here.

This is a great opportunity to get up close to the players and find out what really goes on behind the scenes at a tennis tournament.

I welcome any suggestions for articles.

Thanks

Clare

Novak Djokovic - Think Different

I watched this the other day but totally forgot to post it, doh!!!



Courtesy: JeanAngel25

Novak Djokovic - Year Ending World Number 1

Novak Djokovic will finish as the No. 1 player in the year-end South African Airways 2011 ATP Rankings. He is the 16th different player to finish No. 1 in the history of the ATP Rankings (since 1973).

World No.2 Rafael Nadal’s third-round loss at the Shanghai Rolex Masters on Thursday assured the Serb of the top ranking come the end of the season.

The 24-year-old Belgrade native is the first Serbian man to finish No. 1 in the history of the ATP Rankings (since 1973). It also marks a record eighth straight year a European is the No. 1 player on the ATP World Tour. For seven years from 1985-91, Europeans finished No. 1.

Djokovic is the first player other than Roger Federer (2004-07, ‘09) or Rafael Nadal (2008, ’10) to finish No. 1 since American Andy Roddick in 2003.

Djokovic will be officially crowned as the year-end No. 1 at a special trophy presentation at the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London where he will be competing for a fifth straight year. The tournament takes place Nov. 20-27.

On July 4, Djokovic became No. 1 in the South African Airways 2011 ATP Rankings for the first time after winning his first Wimbledon title. He began his outstanding season with a 41-match winning streak (43 overall back to last year). He has won a career-high 10 titles in 11 finals, including his second Australian Open and first US Open crowns.

En route to a 64-3 match record, he has captured a record five ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles in a season, in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Rome and Montreal. He has also compiled a 20-2 mark vs. Top 10 opponents, defeating rivals Nadal six times and Federer four times so far in 2011.

Between now and the end of the season, the Serb is due to play at the Basel Swiss Indoors, the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris, and the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 in London.

Courtesy: ATP

Novak Djokovic - Needs Your Help

Message from Novak on his Facebook page.

We are together more then 400.000 on Twitter,and over 1.280.000 on Facebook.

Thank you for being with me all this time.Let's make this place more FUN.Any suggestions?

Novak Djokovic - No Regrets Over Kosovo Comments

Novak Djokovic tells Der Speigel that he does not regret sending a video message to Belgrade in 2008 when 150,000 of his compatriots were demonstrating against Kosovo's declaration of independence. Djokovic’s message, delivered after he won the Australian Open, said: "We are prepared to defend what is rightfully ours. Kosovo is Serbia."

That night, demonstrators threw stones at the Croatian, Bosnian and German embassies and set fire to the U.S. embassy.

Djokovic’s father was born in Kosovo, as were his uncle and his aunt. The Kosovo Albanians and Serbians dispute which populations have rightful claims on the land. "It is the birthplace of my family and, indeed, of Serbian culture itself," Djokovic said. "I don't regret what I did. We want justice, but we just can't get it." 

Courtesy: Tennis.com

Novak Djokovic - Out Of Shanghai

Not really a surprise :-(

World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week's Shanghai Masters after failing to recover from a troublesome back injury, organisers said.

Djokovic apologised for the pull-out, which deprives Shanghai of another star name after Roger Federer decided to skip the tournament to rest and deal with nagging injury problems.

"I am sorry not to be playing in Shanghai, one of my favourite tournaments, but I have not recovered yet from my injury," Djokovic said in a statement.

"I did another check this week and the results are not good, so I need to continue my rehabilitation."

Djokovic's back injury flared during his US Open final against Rafael Nadal and last month he was in tears as it forced him to concede the deciding fourth match of Serbia's Davis Cup tie against Argentina.

Djokovic, 24, has lost just three matches against 64 wins this year, a run that has brought him 10 titles including the Australian Open, Wimbledon, the US Open and five Masters trophies.

Courtesy: abc.net

Novak Djokovic - Needs To Be More Humble - Emerson

Djokovic added the 2011 US Open title to his collection in AugustPA Photos

Tennis legend Roy Emerson has called on world No1 Novak Djokovic to show more "humility" on court, urging the Serb to behave more like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

The 74-year-old, a 12-time Major winner, believes Djokovic's demeanour during matches threatens to undermine his success and has told him to challenge his rivals in terms of modesty – and not just titles.

"I would like to see him show a bit more humility like Nadal and Federer," Emerson said. "There is too much of this chest thumping and roaring when he wins.

"I would like to see him emulate the pair when it comes to humility as well as Grand Slam wins."

Djokovic now holds the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open titles after enjoying a stunning run of form in 2011 – and Emerson paid tribute to the 24-year-old's achievements during a season in which he has only lost two matches.

"Novak has really got his game together this year," continued Emerson, who won the Australian Open singles title six times during an illustrious career. "He is playing at a very high standard and his game shapes up well to Nadal.

"He doesn't have the same difficulty as Federer has with Nadal's forehand as he is well able to take a high backhand with his strong double-handed shots.

"Every time he is tested this year he seems well up to the task and he obviously got a tremendous boost from winning the Davis Cup last year."

Emerson was the fourth player to complete a 'career slam' and he has tipped Djokovic to soon join the illustrious list, with Roland Garros the only title the Serb now needs to complete his set.

"Because he is young and has been so consistent this year Djokovic will always be a possible Grand Slam winner as he can play well on all surfaces," he added. 

Courtesy: SportReview

Novak Djokovic - Do You Want To Teach Me?

I wish :-)  How much do you think Novak would charge for a lesson?  I am sure it would be worth the price.

http://www.mytennislounge.com/member_login/profile/index.php

I have been back on court now for 5 weeks and it is going rather well.  The link above is where I am posting all my lessons, taking advice from other players and just generally talking about casual/club level play.

Please feel free to join in and give your thoughts or experiences in playing tennis.

Thanks