Hi everyone
I have created a new blog for you to follow:
http://teamrafole.blogspot.co.uk/
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Saturday, 17 March 2012
Taking A Break
Sorry folks but right now I am busy with other project to be able to give this site the attention it deserves.
I am going to be more active on www.thetennistimes.com so please follow me there :-)
I am going to be more active on www.thetennistimes.com so please follow me there :-)
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Novak Djokovic - Indian Wells Round-up
Novak Djokovic has been the game's top player for more than a year but the Serbian is not taking his world number one ranking for granted.
Djokovic, who has clinched four of the last five grand slams and posted a remarkable win-loss record of 70-6 in 2011, is well aware that fortunes can change very quickly in the sport.
"I don't consider myself being on the top of the world, being untouchable or unbeatable," the 24-year-old told reporters on Friday while preparing for his opening match at the Indian Wells ATP tournament.
"That's out of the question. I always try to give 100 percent in every practice that I have, I always want to have the positive mindset in preparing well for every event, for every season."
Asked what had been his proudest achievement since the start of his red-hot run last year, Djokovic replied: "I'm very, very proud of my consistency, the results throughout the whole year.
"But the biggest success was Wimbledon, winning that title, winning the tournament that I always dreamed of winning, so I guess I can take that out as my proudest."
Djokovic, who outlasted Spaniard Rafa Nadal 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 7-5 in an epic final at the Australian Open in January, will be aiming for a fourth consecutive grand slam crown at the French Open in June.
Roland Garros has always been his favorite grand slam venue but he knows he will face an uphill task their on its claycourt surface in a tournament he has yet to win.
"I've had a good couple of years playing in Roland Garros, unfortunately I didn't reach the finals yet in Paris," Djokovic said. "I have played three semi-finals there, mostly against Rafa, and had some really good matches there.
"I love playing at Roland Garros, so hopefully this year I can make at least a step further."
GRAND SLAM TALK
While Djokovic accepted there would be speculation about a calendar year grand slam following his successful title defense at the Australian Open, he prefers to let others do the talking.
"The fact is that there is always pressure and always expectations for somebody who is a top player, and it's something that you can understand and expect," the Serb said. "But you have to deal with the pressure.
"You have to understand it, cherish it and accept it as a challenge, just try to take the best out of it. I need to keep my single-minded focus ... because that is the way that I can stay grounded and I can stay committed.
"For all the other speculations off the court, I cannot influence those and I understand that there will be talk."
Djokovic, who beat Nadal 4-6 6-3 6-2 in last year's final at Indian Wells on the way to a 41-0 win streak that finally ended with his French Open semi-final loss to Roger Federer, was delighted to be back.
"It's always good to be back in a place where I have done so well in the last five years, played finals and winning two titles," he said. "It's always something to look forward to because it's one of the best events that we have in the sport.
"You play against best players in the world and the conditions here are suitable to my style of the game. The courts are a little bit slower, which I like and prefer better, so I'm looking forward to this week."
Djokovic, also champion at Indian Wells in 2008, will face Kazakhstan qualifier Andrey Golubev in the second round, having been given a first-round bye.
Calling Captain Djokovic
Djokovic, who has clinched four of the last five grand slams and posted a remarkable win-loss record of 70-6 in 2011, is well aware that fortunes can change very quickly in the sport.
"I don't consider myself being on the top of the world, being untouchable or unbeatable," the 24-year-old told reporters on Friday while preparing for his opening match at the Indian Wells ATP tournament.
"That's out of the question. I always try to give 100 percent in every practice that I have, I always want to have the positive mindset in preparing well for every event, for every season."
Asked what had been his proudest achievement since the start of his red-hot run last year, Djokovic replied: "I'm very, very proud of my consistency, the results throughout the whole year.
"But the biggest success was Wimbledon, winning that title, winning the tournament that I always dreamed of winning, so I guess I can take that out as my proudest."
Djokovic, who outlasted Spaniard Rafa Nadal 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 7-5 in an epic final at the Australian Open in January, will be aiming for a fourth consecutive grand slam crown at the French Open in June.
Roland Garros has always been his favorite grand slam venue but he knows he will face an uphill task their on its claycourt surface in a tournament he has yet to win.
"I've had a good couple of years playing in Roland Garros, unfortunately I didn't reach the finals yet in Paris," Djokovic said. "I have played three semi-finals there, mostly against Rafa, and had some really good matches there.
"I love playing at Roland Garros, so hopefully this year I can make at least a step further."
GRAND SLAM TALK
While Djokovic accepted there would be speculation about a calendar year grand slam following his successful title defense at the Australian Open, he prefers to let others do the talking.
"The fact is that there is always pressure and always expectations for somebody who is a top player, and it's something that you can understand and expect," the Serb said. "But you have to deal with the pressure.
"You have to understand it, cherish it and accept it as a challenge, just try to take the best out of it. I need to keep my single-minded focus ... because that is the way that I can stay grounded and I can stay committed.
"For all the other speculations off the court, I cannot influence those and I understand that there will be talk."
Djokovic, who beat Nadal 4-6 6-3 6-2 in last year's final at Indian Wells on the way to a 41-0 win streak that finally ended with his French Open semi-final loss to Roger Federer, was delighted to be back.
"It's always good to be back in a place where I have done so well in the last five years, played finals and winning two titles," he said. "It's always something to look forward to because it's one of the best events that we have in the sport.
"You play against best players in the world and the conditions here are suitable to my style of the game. The courts are a little bit slower, which I like and prefer better, so I'm looking forward to this week."
Djokovic, also champion at Indian Wells in 2008, will face Kazakhstan qualifier Andrey Golubev in the second round, having been given a first-round bye.
Calling Captain Djokovic
Bombardier Aerospace today expanded its range to the elite tennis racquet set naming top-ranked champion Novak Djokovic as a Learjet Brand Ambassador. He joins an exclusive list of Bombardier Business Aircraft brand ambassadors including actor and pilot John Travolta, architect Frank Gehry, maestro Valery Gergiev, and classical pianist Lang Lang.
“Speed, agility, performance and efficiency are key attributes that Novak Djokovic and Learjet aircraft have in common,” said Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “His passion for winning, outspoken personality and natural ability to inspire people make him an ideal ambassador for the Learjet brand.”
Ranked World No. 1 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) since July 2011, to date Novak Djokovic has won five Grand Slam singles titles: the 2008, 2011 and 2012 Australian Open, 2011 Wimbledon Championships and the 2011 US Open. In 2011, he became the sixth male player to win three Majors in a calendar year and is the youngest player to have reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slam events, separately and consecutively.
“Flying on Bombardier business aircraft allows me to balance my extensive travel schedule with the rigorous demands of playing on the ATP tour and all the public appearances in between,” said Mr. Djokovic. “I’ve been a Learjet fan for many years; they’re fantastic planes.”
Learjet business aircraft: With over 45 years of history marked by a multitude of performance records, Learjet aircraft are the world’s first purpose-built business jets. The creation of inventor Bill Lear, who designed the first Learjet aircraft based on a Swiss fighter-bomber, Learjet aircraft are renowned worldwide for their sleek ramp appeal and favoured by pilots for their handling characteristics and high-performance.
Since acquiring the Learjet Corporation, Bombardier has revitalized both the brand and the product line, bringing to market no less than eight new models, including the new Learjet 85 aircraft.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, were $18.3 billion, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.
The Doubles is already over for Novak as the paternership with Troicki ends with a 7-5 7-5 defeat againt the Spanish pairing of Granollers & Lopez. Hopefully Novak will do better in the Singles :-)
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Novak Djokovic - In Indian Wells
Sorry but I have been so busy with my Maria Kirilenko interview.
Ok, Novak, what have you been up to recently.
K-Swiss held their annual "Desert Smash" and Novak once again attended. Photos of the event are available on their Facebook page.
Novak will begin his title defence against either Golubev, who is undergoing a bit of a resurgence after an awful 2011 or Saffa De Voest. The first scheduled Seed is another Saffa in the form of Big Kev Anderson. The rest of Novak's quarter looks to be straightforward should Novak bring his A game to the court.
Murray, Isner & Berdych, are the seeds also in Novak's half that may pose a danger in the later rounds.
I am going to try and catch as much of the live tennis as possible, baring in mind I am UK based, so hopefully I will be able to bring you match reports/photos shortly after.
Ok, Novak, what have you been up to recently.
K-Swiss held their annual "Desert Smash" and Novak once again attended. Photos of the event are available on their Facebook page.
Novak will begin his title defence against either Golubev, who is undergoing a bit of a resurgence after an awful 2011 or Saffa De Voest. The first scheduled Seed is another Saffa in the form of Big Kev Anderson. The rest of Novak's quarter looks to be straightforward should Novak bring his A game to the court.
Murray, Isner & Berdych, are the seeds also in Novak's half that may pose a danger in the later rounds.
I am going to try and catch as much of the live tennis as possible, baring in mind I am UK based, so hopefully I will be able to bring you match reports/photos shortly after.
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Maria Kirilenko Interview
Remember my Press Accreditation from the Paris Masters?
Well the same website, The Tennis Times have arranged for me to conduct a 15 minute interview on Wednesday with Maria Kirilenko!!! How fab is that?
Anyway, I need your help in writing questions for Maria to answer. Do you have a question you would like to ask? If so reply to this post.
Thanks
Well the same website, The Tennis Times have arranged for me to conduct a 15 minute interview on Wednesday with Maria Kirilenko!!! How fab is that?
Anyway, I need your help in writing questions for Maria to answer. Do you have a question you would like to ask? If so reply to this post.
Thanks
Friday, 2 March 2012
Novak Djokovic - No Title Defence in Dubai
Ok, what happened?
I completely missed the match and from what I can tell from bits of conversation with my friends and the odd glimpse at the scoreboard Novak was otherwise occupied today. So no 4 in-a-row, no bettering last years unbeaten start. But is this a call for concern?
Novak will head straight to Indian Wells now to play both Singles & Doubles. Maybe if there is a particular problem he can sort that out during a Doubles match, maybe try a new tactic etc.
Hopefully today was a one-off and maybe a blessing in disguise. No pressure to try and match 2011 etc.
See you all in Indian Wells.
I completely missed the match and from what I can tell from bits of conversation with my friends and the odd glimpse at the scoreboard Novak was otherwise occupied today. So no 4 in-a-row, no bettering last years unbeaten start. But is this a call for concern?
Novak will head straight to Indian Wells now to play both Singles & Doubles. Maybe if there is a particular problem he can sort that out during a Doubles match, maybe try a new tactic etc.
Hopefully today was a one-off and maybe a blessing in disguise. No pressure to try and match 2011 etc.
See you all in Indian Wells.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Novak Djokovic - Another Win
Sorry for the delay.
First up, match reports:
SportingLife
SaudiGazette
Novak's Website
Unfortunately I cannot find the press conference from my usually sources :-(
So next for Novak is Janko. Whilst Novak was not firing on all cylinders yesterday I think credit should go to Sergiy as he played a great match, pushed Novak all the way and made it difficult. Will Janko prove to be the same? Will the match at the O2 have any bearing? I think the answer to those two questions is no. Novak was on his knees at the O2 and whilst Janko has improved I still think he does not have the consistency to trouble Novak, even in a BO3 setting.
Adje No1e, let's make it 4 in a row :-)
First up, match reports:
SportingLife
SaudiGazette
Novak's Website
Unfortunately I cannot find the press conference from my usually sources :-(
So next for Novak is Janko. Whilst Novak was not firing on all cylinders yesterday I think credit should go to Sergiy as he played a great match, pushed Novak all the way and made it difficult. Will Janko prove to be the same? Will the match at the O2 have any bearing? I think the answer to those two questions is no. Novak was on his knees at the O2 and whilst Janko has improved I still think he does not have the consistency to trouble Novak, even in a BO3 setting.
Adje No1e, let's make it 4 in a row :-)
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Novak Djokovic - Dubai Press Conference
N. DJOKOVIC/C. Stebe
6‑4, 6‑2
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. He gave you a good work out, didn't he?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No, he definitely played well. I was impressed with his game, especially in the first set. He was hanging in there. I thought I served well when I needed to. He had some break balls.
It could have gone a different way really, because he was returning well. He was very aggressive on the baseline. You could feel that even though he's young and doesn't have much experience playing on the big stage, he really didn't care much. He went on the court wanting to win, and that's the right attitude, I think.
Q. So what's easier, playing a match yourself or sitting on the sidelines watching a younger brother?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I guess playing. (Laughing.) Really, playing, because at least I know what's going on. At least I can control the situations on the court.
But, yeah, it was different for me to sit courtside. Haven't done it really too much. I was happy for my brother to get a wildcard and play in this tournament. I want to take the tournament director and people in the organization of this event for giving us this opportunity and considering him for wildcard.
You know, he tried. Obviously he's not at this level yet, but he's getting in there. I think it's a useful experience for him. He's been struggling a lot with injuries. He had a surgery for the wrist that kept him away for the last year and a half.
In the end, he has to face this, I guess, pressure in a way for having Djokovic surname. All over the world where he plays tennis, I guess he has to face this pressure that is not necessary for him at this age.
It's his burden, and he's very committed. He wants to succeed in tennis. But everybody obviously has a different path. We have a younger brother who is 16 years old who is coming up, so hopefully they can become world class players.
Q. Did you almost coach him today?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I didn't do it on the court because I will get fined for that obviously, which would be funny to get fined for coaching.
But I did talk to him a lot. You know, obviously he's my brother, younger brother, and I try to advise him on everything in the life, and especially around tennis, to make his life a little bit easier and to give him certain directions in which he can take, which he can go to.
But yet again, I have to say it's hard because the people compare him to me. In all his junior tournaments and all these years that he's been playing tennis he's been compared to me when I was that age. It's absolutely different.
So he's trying to fight I think with his mind more than really with the game. So I think as soon as he manages to control his thoughts and, you know, focus on his own career, I think he's going to be good. He has potential obviously, and it's in the blood.
Q. Says he can beat you at PlayStation.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: We'll see tonight. (Smiling.)
Q. Has he asked your advice on girls as well?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: For that I have to ask him. Trust me, I have to ask him for that. So let's keep it to that. (Laughter.)
Q. A little bit of rust today in the first set? You have not played for a couple weeks.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, but to be honest, I was really happy throughout the whole match the way I played. I really didn't have much downs in the game. He made me play it. You know, he gave me good rhythm and went for his shots and made a lot of winners. Credit to him.
But from my side, I think I was not making a lot of unforced errors and really serving well when I needed to. So I'm happy with the first match after four weeks definitely.
Q. When you look at what you achieved last year, Novak, do you ever think to yourself sometimes, It's not going to be until early June that I can do anything better than I did last year?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, you know, people talk about that obviously, and I'm expecting that. But to be honest, I'm not really comparing 2012 with 2011. I'm not comparing any year with another year, because I think year is different.
I want to have this positive mindset on the court that is going to kind of keep me away from unnecessary pressure that I already have as No. 1 in the world and as a top player, somebody that's expected to win in most of the matches.
The last year was amazing. Definitely best year of my career. If you ask me if I can repeat it, I don't know. It's going to be very, very hard obviously.
But I'm trying to go for the trophy like everyone else. I try to be hunting for the trophy, not the hunted one. I'm not trying to defend. So I think this is the right mindset.
When I'm stepping on the court, I want to be playing my game and going for the shots. I think I been handling it quite well for now.
Q. When you've come to though sort of mindset, did you consult with a psychologist or just the people around you?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I don't have a psychologist; I never did. But I have the people around me that I trust and that I talk to a lot.
Luckily for me, those people really love me and want me to do well. They always try to, you know, give me something to think about. I always seek for improvement, for perfection, as I think everybody else, and I rely on their advice.
Q. At the beginning of the year you met Diego Maradona in Abu Dhabi. Do you have any contact with him?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes.
Q. You plan to meet him here?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, I'm planning. Obviously his scheduling has to be right. Hopefully he can come maybe even tomorrow.
Q. Have you called him or has he called you?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Not for now, no. Actually I'm going to give him a call tomorrow. Let's see. He usually has practices in the evening with the team.
It was quite an amazing experience. We played some tennis, football, some tennis, some football as well. We beat my brother and his coach easy. (Smiling.)
Well, of course I had a big advantage playing with the best ever football player.
Q. Do you feel when you come onto the court these days there is a completely different buzz about it compared with 12 months ago? If you do feel that, do you like it?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Of course I like it. Of course I enjoy my new position and everything I have achieved so far in my career, especially in the last year and a half. I mean, I'm proud of all the results, and I know that the results are there for a reason.
I been working really hard. I know since I was four years old I been dedicated to this sport, as most of top players that been playing this sport forever, always seeking to be the best in what we do.
It's really nice stepping out on the court and seeing a full stadium and having a lot of support. I'm very flattered.
Q. You talk about the expectancy and hype around Marko, but there is also quite a lot hype being made about your younger brother, Djordje.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah.
Q. Is it even harder upon him at his tender age, four years younger than Marko, to live up to the expectations? And how is his career progressing?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: That's what I talked about just now. They haven't matured. They had to face that kind of pressure now even more, but that kind of pressure already five years ago when I became a top‑10 player. Obviously they got more attention back in Serbia because they spend most of the time there.
You know, five years ago Marko was only 15, 16; Djordje was 10. At that age you're not still matured mentally. You have to face that and you have to see five to ten people watching your practices and you're wondering what for, you know.
So it is something that they're carrying on their backs. But, look, everybody has a different life. Everybody has a different way. You just have to try to find a way to cope with that.
They're doing better. You know, obviously Djordje now got used to it a little bit more. They are spending a little bit maybe more time now outside of Serbia, which gives them maybe a little bit more freedom to improve.
So let's see what happens.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
6‑4, 6‑2
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. He gave you a good work out, didn't he?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No, he definitely played well. I was impressed with his game, especially in the first set. He was hanging in there. I thought I served well when I needed to. He had some break balls.
It could have gone a different way really, because he was returning well. He was very aggressive on the baseline. You could feel that even though he's young and doesn't have much experience playing on the big stage, he really didn't care much. He went on the court wanting to win, and that's the right attitude, I think.
Q. So what's easier, playing a match yourself or sitting on the sidelines watching a younger brother?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I guess playing. (Laughing.) Really, playing, because at least I know what's going on. At least I can control the situations on the court.
But, yeah, it was different for me to sit courtside. Haven't done it really too much. I was happy for my brother to get a wildcard and play in this tournament. I want to take the tournament director and people in the organization of this event for giving us this opportunity and considering him for wildcard.
You know, he tried. Obviously he's not at this level yet, but he's getting in there. I think it's a useful experience for him. He's been struggling a lot with injuries. He had a surgery for the wrist that kept him away for the last year and a half.
In the end, he has to face this, I guess, pressure in a way for having Djokovic surname. All over the world where he plays tennis, I guess he has to face this pressure that is not necessary for him at this age.
It's his burden, and he's very committed. He wants to succeed in tennis. But everybody obviously has a different path. We have a younger brother who is 16 years old who is coming up, so hopefully they can become world class players.
Q. Did you almost coach him today?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I didn't do it on the court because I will get fined for that obviously, which would be funny to get fined for coaching.
But I did talk to him a lot. You know, obviously he's my brother, younger brother, and I try to advise him on everything in the life, and especially around tennis, to make his life a little bit easier and to give him certain directions in which he can take, which he can go to.
But yet again, I have to say it's hard because the people compare him to me. In all his junior tournaments and all these years that he's been playing tennis he's been compared to me when I was that age. It's absolutely different.
So he's trying to fight I think with his mind more than really with the game. So I think as soon as he manages to control his thoughts and, you know, focus on his own career, I think he's going to be good. He has potential obviously, and it's in the blood.
Q. Says he can beat you at PlayStation.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: We'll see tonight. (Smiling.)
Q. Has he asked your advice on girls as well?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: For that I have to ask him. Trust me, I have to ask him for that. So let's keep it to that. (Laughter.)
Q. A little bit of rust today in the first set? You have not played for a couple weeks.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, but to be honest, I was really happy throughout the whole match the way I played. I really didn't have much downs in the game. He made me play it. You know, he gave me good rhythm and went for his shots and made a lot of winners. Credit to him.
But from my side, I think I was not making a lot of unforced errors and really serving well when I needed to. So I'm happy with the first match after four weeks definitely.
Q. When you look at what you achieved last year, Novak, do you ever think to yourself sometimes, It's not going to be until early June that I can do anything better than I did last year?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, you know, people talk about that obviously, and I'm expecting that. But to be honest, I'm not really comparing 2012 with 2011. I'm not comparing any year with another year, because I think year is different.
I want to have this positive mindset on the court that is going to kind of keep me away from unnecessary pressure that I already have as No. 1 in the world and as a top player, somebody that's expected to win in most of the matches.
The last year was amazing. Definitely best year of my career. If you ask me if I can repeat it, I don't know. It's going to be very, very hard obviously.
But I'm trying to go for the trophy like everyone else. I try to be hunting for the trophy, not the hunted one. I'm not trying to defend. So I think this is the right mindset.
When I'm stepping on the court, I want to be playing my game and going for the shots. I think I been handling it quite well for now.
Q. When you've come to though sort of mindset, did you consult with a psychologist or just the people around you?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I don't have a psychologist; I never did. But I have the people around me that I trust and that I talk to a lot.
Luckily for me, those people really love me and want me to do well. They always try to, you know, give me something to think about. I always seek for improvement, for perfection, as I think everybody else, and I rely on their advice.
Q. At the beginning of the year you met Diego Maradona in Abu Dhabi. Do you have any contact with him?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes.
Q. You plan to meet him here?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, I'm planning. Obviously his scheduling has to be right. Hopefully he can come maybe even tomorrow.
Q. Have you called him or has he called you?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Not for now, no. Actually I'm going to give him a call tomorrow. Let's see. He usually has practices in the evening with the team.
It was quite an amazing experience. We played some tennis, football, some tennis, some football as well. We beat my brother and his coach easy. (Smiling.)
Well, of course I had a big advantage playing with the best ever football player.
Q. Do you feel when you come onto the court these days there is a completely different buzz about it compared with 12 months ago? If you do feel that, do you like it?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Of course I like it. Of course I enjoy my new position and everything I have achieved so far in my career, especially in the last year and a half. I mean, I'm proud of all the results, and I know that the results are there for a reason.
I been working really hard. I know since I was four years old I been dedicated to this sport, as most of top players that been playing this sport forever, always seeking to be the best in what we do.
It's really nice stepping out on the court and seeing a full stadium and having a lot of support. I'm very flattered.
Q. You talk about the expectancy and hype around Marko, but there is also quite a lot hype being made about your younger brother, Djordje.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah.
Q. Is it even harder upon him at his tender age, four years younger than Marko, to live up to the expectations? And how is his career progressing?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: That's what I talked about just now. They haven't matured. They had to face that kind of pressure now even more, but that kind of pressure already five years ago when I became a top‑10 player. Obviously they got more attention back in Serbia because they spend most of the time there.
You know, five years ago Marko was only 15, 16; Djordje was 10. At that age you're not still matured mentally. You have to face that and you have to see five to ten people watching your practices and you're wondering what for, you know.
So it is something that they're carrying on their backs. But, look, everybody has a different life. Everybody has a different way. You just have to try to find a way to cope with that.
They're doing better. You know, obviously Djordje now got used to it a little bit more. They are spending a little bit maybe more time now outside of Serbia, which gives them maybe a little bit more freedom to improve.
So let's see what happens.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
Monday, 27 February 2012
Novak Djokovic - No Problems in Dubai
A nice start from Novak today as he goes for 4 in a row in Dubai. A straight sets 6-4 6-2 win over Dutchman Stebe sets up a probable tie against Sergiy Stakhovsky.
Courtesy: Yahoo
Novak Djokovic opened the defence of his ATP Dubai crown with a comfortable 6-4 6-2 victory over world number 72 Cedrik-Marcel Stebe.
Djokovic, returning to action for the first time since his epic victory over Rafa Nadal in the final of the Australian Open last month, looked in impressive form when dominating for much of the match against his 21-year-old opponent.
However, Stebe gave a good account of himself against the world number one, and a man hoping to win in Dubai for the fourth year in succession.
Djokovic broke in the opening game of the first set and had little trouble on his own serve when closing out the set with ease.
Stebe initially offered more resistance in the second set but Djokovic wore him down towards the end and broke twice in a row before serving out the match in accomplished fashion.
Courtesy: Yahoo
Novak Djokovic opened the defence of his ATP Dubai crown with a comfortable 6-4 6-2 victory over world number 72 Cedrik-Marcel Stebe.
Djokovic, returning to action for the first time since his epic victory over Rafa Nadal in the final of the Australian Open last month, looked in impressive form when dominating for much of the match against his 21-year-old opponent.
However, Stebe gave a good account of himself against the world number one, and a man hoping to win in Dubai for the fourth year in succession.
Djokovic broke in the opening game of the first set and had little trouble on his own serve when closing out the set with ease.
Stebe initially offered more resistance in the second set but Djokovic wore him down towards the end and broke twice in a row before serving out the match in accomplished fashion.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Novak Djokovic - Back in Dubai
So, we have Novak finally back on court :-) Hopefully he is raring to go out there and get 4 in a row in Dubai.
Before a ball is hit Novak has taken time to join Federer to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this tournament. If you don't have a head for height, don't look down!
Before a ball is hit Novak has taken time to join Federer to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this tournament. If you don't have a head for height, don't look down!
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Novak Djokovic - News Round-Up
According to 10Balls.com Novak has his eye on carrying the Serbian flag at the Olympic Opening Ceremony. Not too sure myself, I know this is not true but it does seem that Novak is everywhere in Serbia. Maybe give the honour to someone less known, afterall they seem to be good at other sports. Plus I would prefer that Novak prepares for the tournament itself than learning to how to carry a pole :-)
Another day, another honour.
"Serbian number one Novak Djokovic was awarded his country’s top award, Karadjordje’s Star of the 1st degree, by Serbian president, Boris Tadic. Djokovic spectacular performance last year led him lift this prestigious honour."....Full Article Here
If Novak ever forgets what he used to look like he can always visit the Wax Museum and have a look at himself. Yes, Novak is now a wax model! Have a look here
Remember when Novak visited No10 Downing Street? The Daily Mail ran a caption competition of a photo of Novak with British PM, David Cameron. Click here to see the winning caption, it's rather funny.
Another day, another honour.
"Serbian number one Novak Djokovic was awarded his country’s top award, Karadjordje’s Star of the 1st degree, by Serbian president, Boris Tadic. Djokovic spectacular performance last year led him lift this prestigious honour."....Full Article Here
If Novak ever forgets what he used to look like he can always visit the Wax Museum and have a look at himself. Yes, Novak is now a wax model! Have a look here
Remember when Novak visited No10 Downing Street? The Daily Mail ran a caption competition of a photo of Novak with British PM, David Cameron. Click here to see the winning caption, it's rather funny.
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