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.
Showing posts with label Dubai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dubai. Show all posts
Friday, 2 March 2012
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!
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Djokovic - Staying fit is a priority
Courtesy: Gulfnews
Dubai: Though satisfied with his winning form Novak Djokovic says staying healthy on the tour for the remainder of the season is his priority.
"I guess I rose to the occasion. I was aware of the challenge that was expected from me on court, and I was aware of the fact that I need to be on top of my game in order to beat Roger. So the focus was there," Djokovic said after his 6-3, 6-3 win against the former four-time champion at the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open.
"It was just the perfect performance overall," he smiled.
The Serb won his second career Grand Slam when he beat Andy Murray in straight sets in Melbourne last month. And now in Dubai he has had a perfect winning record of 15 matches, winning three titles in the process — something that has been achieved here only by Federer — who has four so far.
However, Djokovic is not too keen on looking far ahead and setting lofty goals for the remainder of the season. "I want to take one tournament at a time. I've been talking about my goals too many times in the past years, and right now I just want to be playing consistently well. That's all I want," said the world number three.
Good chance
"I want to keep up the good form that I have, be fit, and just take care of my health and my physical condition. I've done it really well in the last two months, and this is the goal basically. I know that if I feel and play this way, I have a good chance to stay in the top three."
Djokovic admitted that he has evolved as a player over the past few months. "Yeah I'm a different player from in last year. I have a serve. Last year the serve was not there and I was struggling a lot. I was using a lot of energy. Now I get to have some free points, which is important," he noted.
And a lot of hard work has gone into perfecting the serve, now such an important element in his overall game. "I have been asked a million times about my serve in the last 12 months. Why did you change? I didn't want to change. It just happened like that. I had some trouble with the shoulder, and I just got into the bad habit motion, some different motion than the one that was working for me quite well in 2008 and 2009. But look, that's behind me. Now I have my serve back, and I've been working really hard. I needed to believe that it's going to come back, and it did," Djokovic said.
Dubai: Though satisfied with his winning form Novak Djokovic says staying healthy on the tour for the remainder of the season is his priority.
"I guess I rose to the occasion. I was aware of the challenge that was expected from me on court, and I was aware of the fact that I need to be on top of my game in order to beat Roger. So the focus was there," Djokovic said after his 6-3, 6-3 win against the former four-time champion at the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open.
"It was just the perfect performance overall," he smiled.
The Serb won his second career Grand Slam when he beat Andy Murray in straight sets in Melbourne last month. And now in Dubai he has had a perfect winning record of 15 matches, winning three titles in the process — something that has been achieved here only by Federer — who has four so far.
However, Djokovic is not too keen on looking far ahead and setting lofty goals for the remainder of the season. "I want to take one tournament at a time. I've been talking about my goals too many times in the past years, and right now I just want to be playing consistently well. That's all I want," said the world number three.
Good chance
"I want to keep up the good form that I have, be fit, and just take care of my health and my physical condition. I've done it really well in the last two months, and this is the goal basically. I know that if I feel and play this way, I have a good chance to stay in the top three."
Djokovic admitted that he has evolved as a player over the past few months. "Yeah I'm a different player from in last year. I have a serve. Last year the serve was not there and I was struggling a lot. I was using a lot of energy. Now I get to have some free points, which is important," he noted.
And a lot of hard work has gone into perfecting the serve, now such an important element in his overall game. "I have been asked a million times about my serve in the last 12 months. Why did you change? I didn't want to change. It just happened like that. I had some trouble with the shoulder, and I just got into the bad habit motion, some different motion than the one that was working for me quite well in 2008 and 2009. But look, that's behind me. Now I have my serve back, and I've been working really hard. I needed to believe that it's going to come back, and it did," Djokovic said.
Novak Djokovic - on court interview
Post trophy ceremony on court interview with Novak after yesterday's win over Roger.
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Novak Djokovic - Dubai Champion 2011
Dubai final preview/stats
DUBAI SATURDAY PREVIEW
The top two seeds clash in the final at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday as No. 1 and four-time winner Roger Federer meets No. 2/two-time defending champion Novak Djokovic. This is the third time in the tournament’s 19-year history the top two seeds are playing in the final. In 2006, No. 2 Rafael Nadal defeated Federer and in 1997, No. 2 Thomas Muster beat Goran Ivanisevic.
Federer has a 13-7 career advantage over Djokovic, including a 3-2 mark in finals. The Serb won the last meeting in the semi-finals at the Australian Open on Jan. 28 en route to the title. In their previous match here in the quarter-finals in 2007, Federer prevailed in three sets. Federer is trying to capture his fifth Dubai title in six finals and second ATP World Tour title of the season (Doha). Djokovic is trying to join Federer as the only players to win this title three straight years. Federer won from 2003-05 and in ’07. Djokovic has won his last 14 matches in Dubai and overall is on a career-best 13-match winning streak going back to December’s Davis Cup final. Djokovic is also attempting to earn his 20th career title on the ATP World Tour.
WHAT’S AT STAKE –
Winner: $386,000 and 500 South African Airways 2011 ATP Ranking points
Runner-up: $181,500 and 300 South African Airways 2011 ATP Ranking points
FINALS HISTORY –
Federer: Appearing in his 96th ATP World Tour level final……….He is 67-28 in finals (1-0 in ‘11)
Djokovic: Appearing in his 33rd ATP World Tour level final.………He is 19-13 in finals (1-0 in ’11)
HEAD 2 HEADS –
(1)Roger Federer (SUI) vs (2) Novak Djokovic (SRB) Federer Leads 13-7
2006 ATP Masters Series Monte Carlo Clay R64 Roger Federer 6-3 2-6 6-3
2006 SUI v. SCG WG PO (Switzerland) Hard RR Roger Federer 6-3 6-2 6-3
2007 Australian Open (Australia) Hard R16 Roger Federer 6-2 7-5 6-3
2007 Dubai (U.A.E.) Hard QF Roger Federer 6-3 6-7(6) 6-3
2007 ATP Masters Series Montreal Hard F Novak Djokovic 7-6(2) 2-6 7-6(2)
2007 US Open (U.S.A.) Hard F Roger Federer 7-6(4) 7-6(2) 6-4
2008 Australian Open (Australia) Hard SF Novak Djokovic 7-5 6-3 7-6(5)
2008 ATP Masters Series Monte Carlo Clay SF Roger Federer 6-3 3-2 ret
2008 US Open (U.S.A.) Hard SF Roger Federer 6-3 5-7 7-5 6-2
2009 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Miami Hard SF Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-2 6-3
2009 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Rome Clay SF Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-3 6-3
2009 ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati Hard F Roger Federer 6-1 7-5
2009 US Open (U.S.A.) Hard SF Roger Federer 7-6(3) 7-5 7-5
2009 Basel (Switzerland) Hard F Novak Djokovic 6-4 4-6 6-2
2010 ATP Masters 1000 Toronto Hard SF Roger Federer 6-1 3-6 7-5
2010 US Open (U.S.A.) Hard SF Novak Djokovic 5-7 6-1 5-7 6-2 7-5
2010 ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai (China) Hard SF Roger Federer 7-5 6-4
2010 Basel (Switzerland) Hard F Roger Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1
2010 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals Hard SF Roger Federer 6-1 6-4
2011 Australian Open (Australia) Hard SF Novak Djokovic 7-6(3) 7-5 6-4
Roger Federer Novak Djokovic
Sets Won: 37 22
Tie-break Sets Won: 3 5
Match Wins By Surface:
Clay: 2 1
Hard: 11 6
Federer FastFacts:
2011 Highlights:
W: Doha (d Davydenko); SF: Australian Open (l Djokovic)
YTD W-L: 14-1
YTD Titles: 1
Career Titles: 67
Date of Birth: August 8, 1981
South African Airways 2011 ATP Ranking: 2
• Federer, 29, is making his sixth career final appearance in Dubai (4-1)…Has a 29-3 lifetime mark and has not dropped a set this week in posting wins over Somdev Devvarman 63 63, Marcel Granollers 63 64, Sergiy Stakhovsky 63 64 and Richard Gasquet 62 75…Leads the tournament in service games won (95%, 37 of 39 games) and break points saved (13 of 15)
• He is making his eighth tournament appearance and captured titles in 2003 (d. Novak), '04 (d. Lopez), '05 (d. Ljubicic) and '07 (d. Youzhny) while finishing runner-up in 2006 (l. to Nadal in three sets)…The other times he lost in the 2nd Rd. in his debut in 2002 (l. to Schuettler) and to Murray in the 1st Rd. in ’08
• The Swiss superstar has a 14-1 match record on the season and he opened the campaign with his 67th career title in Doha (d. Davydenko)…Since losing to Djokovic in last year’s US Open semi-finals, has compiled a 35-3 match record, reaching final in six of eight tournaments during that span (four titles)
• Has a 67-28 mark in finals and has won at least one ATP World Tour title for 11 straight years, best among active players along with Roddick…His 67 titles rank No. 4 on the Open Era titles list
• His only loss this year has come in the semi-finals at the Australian Open (l. to Djokovic)…Has not won a Grand Slam title in his last four tournaments since capturing ’10 Aust. Open (d. Murray)
• He has 757 career match wins in ATP World Tour level play and is No. 8 on the Open Era list…His next target is No. 7 Pete Sampras (762)
Djokovic FastFacts:
2011 Highlights:
W: Australian Open (d Murray)
YTD W-L: 11-0
YTD Titles: 1
Career Titles: 19
Date of Birth: May 22, 1987
South African Airways 2011 ATP Ranking: 3
• Djokovic, 23, the two-time defending champion, comes in with a 19-2 career mark in Dubai in his fifth consecutive appearance…In his first two visits, he lost in the quarter-finals in 2007 (l. to Federer) and the semi-finals in 2008 (l. to Roddick)…Since that loss, has won 14 straight matches here with titles in 2009 (d. Ferrer) and last year (d. Youzhny)
• The Serb is on a career-best 13-match winning streak in ATP World Tour level play (33-3 in sets) going back to last season when he posted two wins in the Davis Cup final vs. France…His last loss came to Federer in the semi-finals at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London on Nov. 27, 2010
• At last month’s Australian Open, he rolled to the title dropping only one set, that coming to Croat Ivan Dodig in a second set tie-break in the second round…After that, beat countryman and No. 27 Viktor Troicki (now No. 18), No. 14 Nicolas Almagro, No. 6 Tomas Berdych, No. 2 Federer and No. 5 Murray
• Has a 19-13 career mark in finals and has won at least one ATP World Tour title every year since 2006
• He is trying to become the sixth active player on the ATP World Tour to win at least 20 career titles:
No.
Federer 67
Rafael Nadal 43
Andy Roddick 30
Lleyton Hewitt 28
Nikolay Davydenko 20
====================
Djokovic 19
Courtesy: ATP
The top two seeds clash in the final at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday as No. 1 and four-time winner Roger Federer meets No. 2/two-time defending champion Novak Djokovic. This is the third time in the tournament’s 19-year history the top two seeds are playing in the final. In 2006, No. 2 Rafael Nadal defeated Federer and in 1997, No. 2 Thomas Muster beat Goran Ivanisevic.
Federer has a 13-7 career advantage over Djokovic, including a 3-2 mark in finals. The Serb won the last meeting in the semi-finals at the Australian Open on Jan. 28 en route to the title. In their previous match here in the quarter-finals in 2007, Federer prevailed in three sets. Federer is trying to capture his fifth Dubai title in six finals and second ATP World Tour title of the season (Doha). Djokovic is trying to join Federer as the only players to win this title three straight years. Federer won from 2003-05 and in ’07. Djokovic has won his last 14 matches in Dubai and overall is on a career-best 13-match winning streak going back to December’s Davis Cup final. Djokovic is also attempting to earn his 20th career title on the ATP World Tour.
WHAT’S AT STAKE –
Winner: $386,000 and 500 South African Airways 2011 ATP Ranking points
Runner-up: $181,500 and 300 South African Airways 2011 ATP Ranking points
FINALS HISTORY –
Federer: Appearing in his 96th ATP World Tour level final……….He is 67-28 in finals (1-0 in ‘11)
Djokovic: Appearing in his 33rd ATP World Tour level final.………He is 19-13 in finals (1-0 in ’11)
HEAD 2 HEADS –
(1)Roger Federer (SUI) vs (2) Novak Djokovic (SRB) Federer Leads 13-7
2006 ATP Masters Series Monte Carlo Clay R64 Roger Federer 6-3 2-6 6-3
2006 SUI v. SCG WG PO (Switzerland) Hard RR Roger Federer 6-3 6-2 6-3
2007 Australian Open (Australia) Hard R16 Roger Federer 6-2 7-5 6-3
2007 Dubai (U.A.E.) Hard QF Roger Federer 6-3 6-7(6) 6-3
2007 ATP Masters Series Montreal Hard F Novak Djokovic 7-6(2) 2-6 7-6(2)
2007 US Open (U.S.A.) Hard F Roger Federer 7-6(4) 7-6(2) 6-4
2008 Australian Open (Australia) Hard SF Novak Djokovic 7-5 6-3 7-6(5)
2008 ATP Masters Series Monte Carlo Clay SF Roger Federer 6-3 3-2 ret
2008 US Open (U.S.A.) Hard SF Roger Federer 6-3 5-7 7-5 6-2
2009 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Miami Hard SF Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-2 6-3
2009 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Rome Clay SF Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-3 6-3
2009 ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati Hard F Roger Federer 6-1 7-5
2009 US Open (U.S.A.) Hard SF Roger Federer 7-6(3) 7-5 7-5
2009 Basel (Switzerland) Hard F Novak Djokovic 6-4 4-6 6-2
2010 ATP Masters 1000 Toronto Hard SF Roger Federer 6-1 3-6 7-5
2010 US Open (U.S.A.) Hard SF Novak Djokovic 5-7 6-1 5-7 6-2 7-5
2010 ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai (China) Hard SF Roger Federer 7-5 6-4
2010 Basel (Switzerland) Hard F Roger Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1
2010 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals Hard SF Roger Federer 6-1 6-4
2011 Australian Open (Australia) Hard SF Novak Djokovic 7-6(3) 7-5 6-4
Roger Federer Novak Djokovic
Sets Won: 37 22
Tie-break Sets Won: 3 5
Match Wins By Surface:
Clay: 2 1
Hard: 11 6
Federer FastFacts:
2011 Highlights:
W: Doha (d Davydenko); SF: Australian Open (l Djokovic)
YTD W-L: 14-1
YTD Titles: 1
Career Titles: 67
Date of Birth: August 8, 1981
South African Airways 2011 ATP Ranking: 2
• Federer, 29, is making his sixth career final appearance in Dubai (4-1)…Has a 29-3 lifetime mark and has not dropped a set this week in posting wins over Somdev Devvarman 63 63, Marcel Granollers 63 64, Sergiy Stakhovsky 63 64 and Richard Gasquet 62 75…Leads the tournament in service games won (95%, 37 of 39 games) and break points saved (13 of 15)
• He is making his eighth tournament appearance and captured titles in 2003 (d. Novak), '04 (d. Lopez), '05 (d. Ljubicic) and '07 (d. Youzhny) while finishing runner-up in 2006 (l. to Nadal in three sets)…The other times he lost in the 2nd Rd. in his debut in 2002 (l. to Schuettler) and to Murray in the 1st Rd. in ’08
• The Swiss superstar has a 14-1 match record on the season and he opened the campaign with his 67th career title in Doha (d. Davydenko)…Since losing to Djokovic in last year’s US Open semi-finals, has compiled a 35-3 match record, reaching final in six of eight tournaments during that span (four titles)
• Has a 67-28 mark in finals and has won at least one ATP World Tour title for 11 straight years, best among active players along with Roddick…His 67 titles rank No. 4 on the Open Era titles list
• His only loss this year has come in the semi-finals at the Australian Open (l. to Djokovic)…Has not won a Grand Slam title in his last four tournaments since capturing ’10 Aust. Open (d. Murray)
• He has 757 career match wins in ATP World Tour level play and is No. 8 on the Open Era list…His next target is No. 7 Pete Sampras (762)
Djokovic FastFacts:
2011 Highlights:
W: Australian Open (d Murray)
YTD W-L: 11-0
YTD Titles: 1
Career Titles: 19
Date of Birth: May 22, 1987
South African Airways 2011 ATP Ranking: 3
• Djokovic, 23, the two-time defending champion, comes in with a 19-2 career mark in Dubai in his fifth consecutive appearance…In his first two visits, he lost in the quarter-finals in 2007 (l. to Federer) and the semi-finals in 2008 (l. to Roddick)…Since that loss, has won 14 straight matches here with titles in 2009 (d. Ferrer) and last year (d. Youzhny)
• The Serb is on a career-best 13-match winning streak in ATP World Tour level play (33-3 in sets) going back to last season when he posted two wins in the Davis Cup final vs. France…His last loss came to Federer in the semi-finals at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London on Nov. 27, 2010
• At last month’s Australian Open, he rolled to the title dropping only one set, that coming to Croat Ivan Dodig in a second set tie-break in the second round…After that, beat countryman and No. 27 Viktor Troicki (now No. 18), No. 14 Nicolas Almagro, No. 6 Tomas Berdych, No. 2 Federer and No. 5 Murray
• Has a 19-13 career mark in finals and has won at least one ATP World Tour title every year since 2006
• He is trying to become the sixth active player on the ATP World Tour to win at least 20 career titles:
No.
Federer 67
Rafael Nadal 43
Andy Roddick 30
Lleyton Hewitt 28
Nikolay Davydenko 20
====================
Djokovic 19
Courtesy: ATP
Friday, 25 February 2011
Novak into the Final - *UPDATED*
But only after Tomas retired :( I only caught the beginning of the match and whilst the first set wasn't great it wasn't brilliant either. 2nd set was much better with the breaks but then Tomas was injured and retired at 2-4 down in the 3rd.
Match reports:
Eurosport
ATP
NewYorkTimes
Match photos
Match reports:
Eurosport
ATP
NewYorkTimes
Match photos
Novak and the Dolphin - video
http://www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2011/02/Dubai-2011-Monday-Feature-Djokovic.aspx
A short video showing Novak at the Lagoon when he went to play with the dolphins.
A short video showing Novak at the Lagoon when he went to play with the dolphins.
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Novak Djokovic - Rd 2 in Dubai
Once again Novak was made to work for his win. But into the SF he goes where he will play Tomas Berdych.
Match Reports:
IOL
TimesOf India
TennisTV post match video here
Match photos:
Match Reports:
IOL
TimesOf India
TennisTV post match video here
Match photos:
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