I have been a very busy bee these last few weeks and I can only apologise for lack of posting.
I have returned from London after working as an Olympic Games Maker in the Athletes Village. Alas I did not see Novak walking around as he was staying near to Wimbledon. When I did see him there is was when he lost the Bronze medal match to Del Potro :-(
But still no Rafa :-( Will he miss the US Open ? If he cannot compete to a high level would it not be best for him to continue his rehab and skip the tournament? Whatever happens I just want to see Rafa back on the court when he is fit and healthy.
Back to Novak. Let's hope that the form from Toronto carries over into this week though I am sure the competition will be stronger now that all the top guys are a little more rested from London.
Showing posts with label Novak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Novak. Show all posts
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Friday, 29 June 2012
Did That Really Happen?
I have left it until today to write so as not to make any rash comments.
I was travelling to Wimbledon yesterday and could not get into the grounds at 19.30 to watch the match. Instead we went off for some food and I kept an eye on the match via my phone. We made it home in time to see Rafa broken in the 5th set.
I don't know how Rafa was playing during the first 4 sets but in the 5th he seemed lost. All the kudos in the world to Lukas for playing some beautiful tennis and serving like a demon. He really had nothing to lose and just went straight for the jugular.
So what now for Rafa? I thought back to a few years ago, when he won the Aussie Open, as much as some seem to like him I don't really care for Toni. I think Rafa could be a much better variety player if he had someone else on board.
Like I said, I did not see the whole match but I can bet for a good part of it Rafa did not change his gameplan when it became evident that he was in for a rough ride. I saw him try to S&V a bit in the 5th, you don't start to play aggressive and finish off points when you are knee deep in the shit, you stay before you get that far.
Anyway Toni talk is for another day. Rafa needs to go and think, think hard about his career and what he wants from the remainder of it. No doubt he is king on clay but that part of the season is short. Still idea maybe but how about asking if he can play Hamburg on the clay, if anything just to get him back into a winning mindset?
So no Rafa for me at Wimbledon this year but I do have Novak and today I am on Centre Court so I will be shouting lots of "Ajde Nole".
I was travelling to Wimbledon yesterday and could not get into the grounds at 19.30 to watch the match. Instead we went off for some food and I kept an eye on the match via my phone. We made it home in time to see Rafa broken in the 5th set.
I don't know how Rafa was playing during the first 4 sets but in the 5th he seemed lost. All the kudos in the world to Lukas for playing some beautiful tennis and serving like a demon. He really had nothing to lose and just went straight for the jugular.
So what now for Rafa? I thought back to a few years ago, when he won the Aussie Open, as much as some seem to like him I don't really care for Toni. I think Rafa could be a much better variety player if he had someone else on board.
Like I said, I did not see the whole match but I can bet for a good part of it Rafa did not change his gameplan when it became evident that he was in for a rough ride. I saw him try to S&V a bit in the 5th, you don't start to play aggressive and finish off points when you are knee deep in the shit, you stay before you get that far.
Anyway Toni talk is for another day. Rafa needs to go and think, think hard about his career and what he wants from the remainder of it. No doubt he is king on clay but that part of the season is short. Still idea maybe but how about asking if he can play Hamburg on the clay, if anything just to get him back into a winning mindset?
So no Rafa for me at Wimbledon this year but I do have Novak and today I am on Centre Court so I will be shouting lots of "Ajde Nole".
Monday, 25 June 2012
Novak's Round 1 Presser
Once again we tip our hat to FreedomTennis.
Today started a little iffy but then it was a solid match from Novak. This year Pierre is here so Novak will be a happy chappie with his doggie.
Q. One of the websites was saying you took a golf club out on court. Can you clear that up?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It was a little joke we wanted to do with my sponsor, Head. They provided me with a junior golf club. They have, I don’t know if you noticed, but all the Head players, they have the bags which look like golf bags because you can place them the way the golf bag is standing, you know.
So it was a little funny thing. Being creative, that’s all. But fans corrected me right away. They said, This is not a golf course. I said, Okay.
Q. Could you hear them?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I was talking to them, yes. Just a couple of people. It was really nice.
Q. Were you tempted to go out in the warmup and see how you got on?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s too short for me. We do play golf. There are a lot of golf courses here. Royal Wimbledon Golf Course is really nice. We do get to play on off days. Not really good at it, but enjoying the walk in the park.
Q. Was it your idea?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It was kind of mutual. Obviously they came up with the design of the bag. So if I remember, I proposed to have a golf club just to fit into that creative idea of theirs.
Q. Yesterday you spoke about what the Federer/Nadal rivalry has meant to you. What are your thoughts on what playing against Rafa has brought out of you and what you make of your rivalry with him at this point?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it’s certain that we played a lot of matches and a lot of finals in last 15 months. You know, since we are two top players, we meet mostly in the finals of the events, in Grand Slams.
For a change, it was great to win against him in some of those finals because, you know, I wasn’t managing to do that in last couple of years. He always got a win against me whenever we played in Grand Slams.
I think the first Grand Slam win I had over Rafa was actually here in Wimbledon, if I’m not mistaken.
You know, when you’re playing your top rivals, you need to be focused on every ball. It looks like you need to be on a top of your level in order to get the win. So whatever surface it is, I mean, Rafa over the years, people were maybe talking maybe four or five years ago that he can only play on clay courts because of his style of game, producing a very hard topspin that does not really go with a grass court style.
He’s proved them wrong and he’s coming back and always improving, always wanting to be better on the court. He won two Wimbledon titles; played a couple of finals. There is not anymore I think advantages in favors, my favor, Rafa’s, Roger’s, whenever we are playing each other on any surface. We’re all kind of equal in a way. I think we have equal 50/50 chances to win. I think that’s the case right now.
Q. Just to follow up, what do you think Rafa has brought out of you?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Like I said before, both Roger and Rafa made me a better player. They made me understand what to do tactically, mentally, against them when I’m playing in the later stages of a Grand Slam.
Q. What was it like to walk out on Centre Court, first match on Monday as the defending champion?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s a very unique feeling. I think that’s the first time I experienced that in my career. I think this is the only tournament that actually allows you to have information 12 months in advance when you’re playing.
It is great for a change, because in tennis we don’t really have that many cases that we know exactly when we’re playing. Usually second or third after 11:00 or things like that.
So it was great. You know, the grass was untouched. It was so soft, so smooth. It was great to play in.
Q. Could you speak a little bit about the atmosphere of the Centre Court. A lot of players used to say it’s very quiet. Do you agree?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes. It is quieter than maybe comparing to the other center courts of the other Grand Slams.
But you feel that tradition and the history of tennis, of sport, in this tournament, especially Centre Court. So many legends have won the trophies here, the trophies that made them big tennis stars.
This is, in my opinion ‑ and many players’ opinion ‑ the most respected, the most well‑known tennis tournament in the world.
It is quieter. It feels like a theater in a way. But the crowd gets into it when they have reason for it. I was participating in a couple of long matches on Centre Court with I think Olivier Rochus. We played under the roof and went to the late hours. That was really exciting. The crowd loved it last year against Baghdatis.
The crowd here understands. I think they have a great knowledge about tennis.
Q. Do you remember your first game against Ferrero seven years ago on clay, and how much do you think your game has changed?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: To be honest, I had to look up the head‑to‑head score because I didn’t know how many times we played if we played. I mean, first match we played 2005 I think in Umag where you lost in straight sets, and then I won against him two years after that in Madrid. We haven’t played for five years. That’s a long period.
You know, as I was saying before the match, he’s a former No. 1 of the world. That says enough about his qualities. Obviously he prefers more slower hard courts and clay courts, but he’s been playing here quarterfinals, if I’m not mistaken, a couple of years ago.
So he understands what he needs to do. The grass is not like it used to be, you know, more suitable to maybe serve and volley players. Now it’s more about baseline players, which made him more dangerous for me in this match. The first two sets were exciting and close. I was very satisfied with my performance.
Q. Earlier in your career you went through a tough time where you had some injuries and people were critical. Andy Murray is going through his back injuries. Some are questioning what’s happening. What are your thoughts about Andy and when an athlete has injuries and there’s skepticism about it?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s hard to really make a judgment or say what is going on, you know, if you really don’t know an exact nature of the injury and to what degrees he’s hurt or not. I mean, I know him for a long time. I know he’s a great competitor. He’s a great fighter. I mean, he has a lot of pressure. There’s no doubt. A lot of expectation, especially here in Great Britain. A lot of people want him to be a first British winner in many years here in Wimbledon.
I think he’s got three or four semifinals. He’s always here. He’s just missing that extra step. Maybe that little bit of confidence and self‑belief on the important moments against the top players in the semifinals of Grand Slams.
But he has all the qualities to be there, you know, to be a Grand Slam winner. There is no doubt.
And regarding the injuries, yes, I went through that period in my life where people were questioning my injuries. But I never, ever been in doubt if I want to use my injury timeout to, you know, provoke my opponent or do something similar.
If I’m hurt, I’m hurt. If something is wrong, then something is wrong. I never asked for any medical timeouts or things like that if I have no reason. So I believe that’s the situation with him.
Q. How do you relax when you’re in Wimbledon, and is your girlfriend here at the moment?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, she is. We have a little dog with us. So we are staying at the house. It’s a little fluffy toy poodle. It’s four years old and cute as candy.
Q. What is the dog’s name?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s Pierre, a French name, bought in Germany, and we consider him Serbian. He has a little bit of everything. Has three passports.
Q. Is he gluten free?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: He definitely is. He has to go along with his daddy.
Today started a little iffy but then it was a solid match from Novak. This year Pierre is here so Novak will be a happy chappie with his doggie.
Q. One of the websites was saying you took a golf club out on court. Can you clear that up?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It was a little joke we wanted to do with my sponsor, Head. They provided me with a junior golf club. They have, I don’t know if you noticed, but all the Head players, they have the bags which look like golf bags because you can place them the way the golf bag is standing, you know.
So it was a little funny thing. Being creative, that’s all. But fans corrected me right away. They said, This is not a golf course. I said, Okay.
Q. Could you hear them?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I was talking to them, yes. Just a couple of people. It was really nice.
Q. Were you tempted to go out in the warmup and see how you got on?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s too short for me. We do play golf. There are a lot of golf courses here. Royal Wimbledon Golf Course is really nice. We do get to play on off days. Not really good at it, but enjoying the walk in the park.
Q. Was it your idea?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It was kind of mutual. Obviously they came up with the design of the bag. So if I remember, I proposed to have a golf club just to fit into that creative idea of theirs.
Q. Yesterday you spoke about what the Federer/Nadal rivalry has meant to you. What are your thoughts on what playing against Rafa has brought out of you and what you make of your rivalry with him at this point?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it’s certain that we played a lot of matches and a lot of finals in last 15 months. You know, since we are two top players, we meet mostly in the finals of the events, in Grand Slams.
For a change, it was great to win against him in some of those finals because, you know, I wasn’t managing to do that in last couple of years. He always got a win against me whenever we played in Grand Slams.
I think the first Grand Slam win I had over Rafa was actually here in Wimbledon, if I’m not mistaken.
You know, when you’re playing your top rivals, you need to be focused on every ball. It looks like you need to be on a top of your level in order to get the win. So whatever surface it is, I mean, Rafa over the years, people were maybe talking maybe four or five years ago that he can only play on clay courts because of his style of game, producing a very hard topspin that does not really go with a grass court style.
He’s proved them wrong and he’s coming back and always improving, always wanting to be better on the court. He won two Wimbledon titles; played a couple of finals. There is not anymore I think advantages in favors, my favor, Rafa’s, Roger’s, whenever we are playing each other on any surface. We’re all kind of equal in a way. I think we have equal 50/50 chances to win. I think that’s the case right now.
Q. Just to follow up, what do you think Rafa has brought out of you?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Like I said before, both Roger and Rafa made me a better player. They made me understand what to do tactically, mentally, against them when I’m playing in the later stages of a Grand Slam.
Q. What was it like to walk out on Centre Court, first match on Monday as the defending champion?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s a very unique feeling. I think that’s the first time I experienced that in my career. I think this is the only tournament that actually allows you to have information 12 months in advance when you’re playing.
It is great for a change, because in tennis we don’t really have that many cases that we know exactly when we’re playing. Usually second or third after 11:00 or things like that.
So it was great. You know, the grass was untouched. It was so soft, so smooth. It was great to play in.
Q. Could you speak a little bit about the atmosphere of the Centre Court. A lot of players used to say it’s very quiet. Do you agree?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes. It is quieter than maybe comparing to the other center courts of the other Grand Slams.
But you feel that tradition and the history of tennis, of sport, in this tournament, especially Centre Court. So many legends have won the trophies here, the trophies that made them big tennis stars.
This is, in my opinion ‑ and many players’ opinion ‑ the most respected, the most well‑known tennis tournament in the world.
It is quieter. It feels like a theater in a way. But the crowd gets into it when they have reason for it. I was participating in a couple of long matches on Centre Court with I think Olivier Rochus. We played under the roof and went to the late hours. That was really exciting. The crowd loved it last year against Baghdatis.
The crowd here understands. I think they have a great knowledge about tennis.
Q. Do you remember your first game against Ferrero seven years ago on clay, and how much do you think your game has changed?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: To be honest, I had to look up the head‑to‑head score because I didn’t know how many times we played if we played. I mean, first match we played 2005 I think in Umag where you lost in straight sets, and then I won against him two years after that in Madrid. We haven’t played for five years. That’s a long period.
You know, as I was saying before the match, he’s a former No. 1 of the world. That says enough about his qualities. Obviously he prefers more slower hard courts and clay courts, but he’s been playing here quarterfinals, if I’m not mistaken, a couple of years ago.
So he understands what he needs to do. The grass is not like it used to be, you know, more suitable to maybe serve and volley players. Now it’s more about baseline players, which made him more dangerous for me in this match. The first two sets were exciting and close. I was very satisfied with my performance.
Q. Earlier in your career you went through a tough time where you had some injuries and people were critical. Andy Murray is going through his back injuries. Some are questioning what’s happening. What are your thoughts about Andy and when an athlete has injuries and there’s skepticism about it?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s hard to really make a judgment or say what is going on, you know, if you really don’t know an exact nature of the injury and to what degrees he’s hurt or not. I mean, I know him for a long time. I know he’s a great competitor. He’s a great fighter. I mean, he has a lot of pressure. There’s no doubt. A lot of expectation, especially here in Great Britain. A lot of people want him to be a first British winner in many years here in Wimbledon.
I think he’s got three or four semifinals. He’s always here. He’s just missing that extra step. Maybe that little bit of confidence and self‑belief on the important moments against the top players in the semifinals of Grand Slams.
But he has all the qualities to be there, you know, to be a Grand Slam winner. There is no doubt.
And regarding the injuries, yes, I went through that period in my life where people were questioning my injuries. But I never, ever been in doubt if I want to use my injury timeout to, you know, provoke my opponent or do something similar.
If I’m hurt, I’m hurt. If something is wrong, then something is wrong. I never asked for any medical timeouts or things like that if I have no reason. So I believe that’s the situation with him.
Q. How do you relax when you’re in Wimbledon, and is your girlfriend here at the moment?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, she is. We have a little dog with us. So we are staying at the house. It’s a little fluffy toy poodle. It’s four years old and cute as candy.
Q. What is the dog’s name?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s Pierre, a French name, bought in Germany, and we consider him Serbian. He has a little bit of everything. Has three passports.
Q. Is he gluten free?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: He definitely is. He has to go along with his daddy.
Rafole Round-Up
Rafa is promoting online gambling with PokerStars. Not too sure about this, gambling can be a very slippery slope if you don't know what you are doing. Hopefully if people decide to have a look they use the "play money" tables instead of the real ones.
Both Rafa & Novak will be the flag bearers for their countries at the opening ceremony of London 2012.
Both players spoke of their pride -
Rafa:
"For me the chance to carry the flag representing all the Spanish athletes in London is a true honor," Nadal said in a statement. "I think carrying the flag will be one of the most moving moments of my entire career.
"I can only say thanks and wish my fellow athletes the best of luck."
Novak:
"We are all very excited about the Olympic games in London, such a magnificent sporting event, and it goes without saying what a great honour it is for me to carry the flag for Serbia,"
If you missed the Google+ "hangout" with Rafa there is a link to the video at TheTennisTimes
Uncle Toni speaks about Paris:
"I was very happy at the end because for us it was a very important tournament," said the man universally known as Uncle Toni. "We had lost three times against Djokovic in Grand Slam finals. Another defeat would have been terrible for us....The rest of the article is here
Sorry that is is mostly Rafa news. I am sure we will be seeing more of Novak during Wimbledon :-)
Sunday, 24 June 2012
Novak's Pre Tournament Presser
And here is what the Defending Gentleman's Champion has to say ahead of tomorrows title defence.
Q. How would you describe your game on grass and what are maybe your weaknesses and your strengths on this surface?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, over the years, you know, I’ve been playing better on this surface. Obviously the grass courts are slower than they were maybe 15, 20 years ago. They are more suitable to the baseline players.
So it goes to the favor of my style of the game.
You know, especially in the second week where on the main courts you don’t see as much grass and the ball bounces a bit higher, and so it gets a bit slower.
But, yeah, I mean, as I said, it’s suitable to the baseline players. You can expect a long rallies. But still grass is the fastest surface we have in sport, so it takes time to adjust obviously from the long clay court season.
But I always try to be more aggressive, to get more to the net, try to play a shorter points.
Q. There’s been talk recently about the time between the French Open and the change of surfaces. Any comment you’d like to make about that?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: There have been talks. The bottom line is that we are all trying to work for the good of the sport. The players, the officials, tournaments, everybody who is involved in tennis, we all love this sport and all try to make it better for everybody.
We had this schedule forever, I think. I thought that there has been maybe a slight change over the years, but it has been always exactly the same with only two weeks between end of Roland Garros and start of Wimbledon.
My personal opinion, of course, is that this it is too short. We need an extra week, because it would work in the favor of players because it would give especially the top players a little bit more time to get used to the surface.
Logically speaking, it is the slowest surface that we’re talking about, clay, moving to the fastest one, which takes time. Over the years we all had to adjust.
So the schedule is as it is and we all accept it, but we will try to find the better solution and work for the better of the sport.
Q. Can you talk a little bit about your first match? What do you expect from Ferrero, and if you would keep trying as he’s trying at his age?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, he was a former No. 1 of the world; idol of many generations back in Spain; he’s a Grand Slam winner; Davis Cup winner; somebody really that people appreciate. Everybody who follows tennis, especially us, the tennis players, we really respect him a lot.
As you said, after everything he has been through, he is still trying to go back to the top. He is always dangerous. If you look at him now, I think he’s playing equally well as he was playing four, five years ago. Now it’s just a matter of his fitness obviously and his confidence on the court.
He definitely has a lot of experience playing on the big stage, so I’m not underestimating him, that’s for sure. It’s going to be a good first‑round match.
Q. How would you describe the emotional and competitive meaning of the Olympics to you?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, Olympic Games are pinnacle of all sports, in my opinion. I had this honor to be representing my country four years ago in Beijing. I won the bronze medal, so it was one of the best achievements and best feelings I had as a professional athlete.
Most of the tournaments that we play ‑ actually all the tournaments we play ‑ we play as an individual tennis players. There are very few competitions as Olympic Games where we can feel the team spirit, as in Davis Cup. But this is even more.
It makes you really proud of wearing your national colors, having athletes from your country coming to support you, going to the Olympic Village, of course the opening ceremony and everything.
It is very emotional because it is not just you who matters there, it’s the whole nation. So there is a huge excitement going on with all the tennis players prior to the Olympic Games.
Q. Last year you won here the first time on grass. How much does it change your attitude and self‑belief to know that you have done it on this surface entering this tournament?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it gives me a lot of confidence, that’s for sure. I’m playing with more self‑belief on this surface, which is the rarest surface we have now in sport. We don’t get much opportunity to play on grass, only couple weeks a year. But this actually the surface that our sport has been started to play on firstly over the years.
But I realized my dreams last year. I played a perfect tournament. I like the conditions here. I’ve been in several locations in semifinals, so I’m confident before the start of 2012.
Q. Andy Murray is coming for a bit of criticism for showing exactly how he’s feeling on the court. To what extent do you think about the image you project to your opponent? How much of an impact do you think it has on your opponent?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I think it’s very subjective. Every player has a different behavior, different character, different way of presenting himself on and off the court. This is, as I said, very subjective. I cannot judge anybody. I respect everybody’s decisions and freedoms to do whatever they want.
But, of course, on the court you always try to, in my opinion, hide whatever you’re feeling from your opponent. You don’t want to show your opponent that you’re struggling too much because you’re revealing your weaknesses, obviously.
Q. Rafael Nadal could very soon again take over the world No. 1 spot in the ranking. Does that make you worried or nervous or more determined? Is that an issue for you at all now?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s not an issue at all. I mean, I’m feeling great on the court, and that’s what matters the most for me. I’m focusing on my next tournament.
Rankings are following up all the results, the good success that you achieve as a player, I think. If you worry too much about calculations, you’re going to lose that necessary focus on the court.
That’s my mindset right now.
Q. It may be a silly question, but the ATP recent forbade blue clay. We’re on green grass; hopefully it never turns pink. What traditions should be kept and which ones can we redo?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: There’s a lot of talks about the blue clay this year. It’s a very sensitive subject. The fact of the matter I think is that we had too many players complaining about it in Madrid.
As I said before, and I’ll say it again, I like innovations in sport. I like people who are creative and brave enough to, let’s say, think outside of the box and try to bring something new, something interesting.
But, of course, that only counts if you have the support of the players. Unfortunately, most of us players didn’t even try the blue clay, so we didn’t feel comfortable playing on it.
In one way I’m happy we’re going back to the red clay there. But look, you know, I’m always supporting the new ideas, as long as we are all aware of it, as long as we all understand what is going on.
But tradition is something that this sport was always nurturing, that we should always respect.
Q. You were so close to the Djoko slam. How did you turn the page?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I had to do it. It’s behind me now. Yes, I was so close, even though there was a slight disappointment after the match because I was aware of the chance that I had in Roland Garros.
But the day after I felt good about my tournament, about my achievement in Paris. It was the first time I ever have been in the finals of Roland Garros. That’s a step further from all these years that I’ve been playing in Paris. That’s something that made me satisfied.
You know, I’m still only 25, so I believe that I have a lot more years and a lot more chances to win Roland Garros.
Q. It seems from what you said earlier, if you could win one tournament this year it would be the Olympics. Is this kind of a dress rehearsal for that?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don’t believe that Wimbledon can be rehearsal for anything (smiling). It’s most respected, most well‑known, most valuable tennis tournament in the world. This is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of our sport.
Of course, Olympic Games are something outside comparison with any other tournaments.
But it’s going to be interesting to see colors in Wimbledon, I believe, because we always go out on the court all white dressed. We’re going to have the opportunity to wear the national colors, so it’s going to be interesting to see that.
Yeah, I mean, knowing that I had great success in 2011 on Wimbledon grass, you know, actually gives me confidence before this year’s Wimbledon and Olympic Games.
Q. Watching the Federer/Nadal rivalry over the years, what did you take most from the way those guys played and the way they conducted themselves that may have influenced the way you’re dealing with your rivalry with Nadal and everything about your career today?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, their rivalry is one of the most respected rivalries in the history of our sport, if not the biggest rivalry. They’re two great champions, two tennis players that made the history of this sport. Every time you a see a Federer/Nadal match, everybody is excited. Even I’m excited to see it because it’s something that goes on for many years.
Of course, playing against both of them made me a better player. Just competing at this top level, I was going through a lot of emotions. I was going through the years of doubting if I can really win more Grand Slams, overcome the challenges of Nadal and Federer at the later stages of major events. I managed to do that.
As you said, they also made me work harder. They also made me a better player and made me understand what I need to do on the court and off the court as well.
The fantastic FreedomTennis once again coming up with the goods.
Q. How would you describe your game on grass and what are maybe your weaknesses and your strengths on this surface?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, over the years, you know, I’ve been playing better on this surface. Obviously the grass courts are slower than they were maybe 15, 20 years ago. They are more suitable to the baseline players.
So it goes to the favor of my style of the game.
You know, especially in the second week where on the main courts you don’t see as much grass and the ball bounces a bit higher, and so it gets a bit slower.
But, yeah, I mean, as I said, it’s suitable to the baseline players. You can expect a long rallies. But still grass is the fastest surface we have in sport, so it takes time to adjust obviously from the long clay court season.
But I always try to be more aggressive, to get more to the net, try to play a shorter points.
Q. There’s been talk recently about the time between the French Open and the change of surfaces. Any comment you’d like to make about that?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: There have been talks. The bottom line is that we are all trying to work for the good of the sport. The players, the officials, tournaments, everybody who is involved in tennis, we all love this sport and all try to make it better for everybody.
We had this schedule forever, I think. I thought that there has been maybe a slight change over the years, but it has been always exactly the same with only two weeks between end of Roland Garros and start of Wimbledon.
My personal opinion, of course, is that this it is too short. We need an extra week, because it would work in the favor of players because it would give especially the top players a little bit more time to get used to the surface.
Logically speaking, it is the slowest surface that we’re talking about, clay, moving to the fastest one, which takes time. Over the years we all had to adjust.
So the schedule is as it is and we all accept it, but we will try to find the better solution and work for the better of the sport.
Q. Can you talk a little bit about your first match? What do you expect from Ferrero, and if you would keep trying as he’s trying at his age?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, he was a former No. 1 of the world; idol of many generations back in Spain; he’s a Grand Slam winner; Davis Cup winner; somebody really that people appreciate. Everybody who follows tennis, especially us, the tennis players, we really respect him a lot.
As you said, after everything he has been through, he is still trying to go back to the top. He is always dangerous. If you look at him now, I think he’s playing equally well as he was playing four, five years ago. Now it’s just a matter of his fitness obviously and his confidence on the court.
He definitely has a lot of experience playing on the big stage, so I’m not underestimating him, that’s for sure. It’s going to be a good first‑round match.
Q. How would you describe the emotional and competitive meaning of the Olympics to you?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, Olympic Games are pinnacle of all sports, in my opinion. I had this honor to be representing my country four years ago in Beijing. I won the bronze medal, so it was one of the best achievements and best feelings I had as a professional athlete.
Most of the tournaments that we play ‑ actually all the tournaments we play ‑ we play as an individual tennis players. There are very few competitions as Olympic Games where we can feel the team spirit, as in Davis Cup. But this is even more.
It makes you really proud of wearing your national colors, having athletes from your country coming to support you, going to the Olympic Village, of course the opening ceremony and everything.
It is very emotional because it is not just you who matters there, it’s the whole nation. So there is a huge excitement going on with all the tennis players prior to the Olympic Games.
Q. Last year you won here the first time on grass. How much does it change your attitude and self‑belief to know that you have done it on this surface entering this tournament?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it gives me a lot of confidence, that’s for sure. I’m playing with more self‑belief on this surface, which is the rarest surface we have now in sport. We don’t get much opportunity to play on grass, only couple weeks a year. But this actually the surface that our sport has been started to play on firstly over the years.
But I realized my dreams last year. I played a perfect tournament. I like the conditions here. I’ve been in several locations in semifinals, so I’m confident before the start of 2012.
Q. Andy Murray is coming for a bit of criticism for showing exactly how he’s feeling on the court. To what extent do you think about the image you project to your opponent? How much of an impact do you think it has on your opponent?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I think it’s very subjective. Every player has a different behavior, different character, different way of presenting himself on and off the court. This is, as I said, very subjective. I cannot judge anybody. I respect everybody’s decisions and freedoms to do whatever they want.
But, of course, on the court you always try to, in my opinion, hide whatever you’re feeling from your opponent. You don’t want to show your opponent that you’re struggling too much because you’re revealing your weaknesses, obviously.
Q. Rafael Nadal could very soon again take over the world No. 1 spot in the ranking. Does that make you worried or nervous or more determined? Is that an issue for you at all now?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s not an issue at all. I mean, I’m feeling great on the court, and that’s what matters the most for me. I’m focusing on my next tournament.
Rankings are following up all the results, the good success that you achieve as a player, I think. If you worry too much about calculations, you’re going to lose that necessary focus on the court.
That’s my mindset right now.
Q. It may be a silly question, but the ATP recent forbade blue clay. We’re on green grass; hopefully it never turns pink. What traditions should be kept and which ones can we redo?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: There’s a lot of talks about the blue clay this year. It’s a very sensitive subject. The fact of the matter I think is that we had too many players complaining about it in Madrid.
As I said before, and I’ll say it again, I like innovations in sport. I like people who are creative and brave enough to, let’s say, think outside of the box and try to bring something new, something interesting.
But, of course, that only counts if you have the support of the players. Unfortunately, most of us players didn’t even try the blue clay, so we didn’t feel comfortable playing on it.
In one way I’m happy we’re going back to the red clay there. But look, you know, I’m always supporting the new ideas, as long as we are all aware of it, as long as we all understand what is going on.
But tradition is something that this sport was always nurturing, that we should always respect.
Q. You were so close to the Djoko slam. How did you turn the page?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I had to do it. It’s behind me now. Yes, I was so close, even though there was a slight disappointment after the match because I was aware of the chance that I had in Roland Garros.
But the day after I felt good about my tournament, about my achievement in Paris. It was the first time I ever have been in the finals of Roland Garros. That’s a step further from all these years that I’ve been playing in Paris. That’s something that made me satisfied.
You know, I’m still only 25, so I believe that I have a lot more years and a lot more chances to win Roland Garros.
Q. It seems from what you said earlier, if you could win one tournament this year it would be the Olympics. Is this kind of a dress rehearsal for that?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don’t believe that Wimbledon can be rehearsal for anything (smiling). It’s most respected, most well‑known, most valuable tennis tournament in the world. This is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of our sport.
Of course, Olympic Games are something outside comparison with any other tournaments.
But it’s going to be interesting to see colors in Wimbledon, I believe, because we always go out on the court all white dressed. We’re going to have the opportunity to wear the national colors, so it’s going to be interesting to see that.
Yeah, I mean, knowing that I had great success in 2011 on Wimbledon grass, you know, actually gives me confidence before this year’s Wimbledon and Olympic Games.
Q. Watching the Federer/Nadal rivalry over the years, what did you take most from the way those guys played and the way they conducted themselves that may have influenced the way you’re dealing with your rivalry with Nadal and everything about your career today?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, their rivalry is one of the most respected rivalries in the history of our sport, if not the biggest rivalry. They’re two great champions, two tennis players that made the history of this sport. Every time you a see a Federer/Nadal match, everybody is excited. Even I’m excited to see it because it’s something that goes on for many years.
Of course, playing against both of them made me a better player. Just competing at this top level, I was going through a lot of emotions. I was going through the years of doubting if I can really win more Grand Slams, overcome the challenges of Nadal and Federer at the later stages of major events. I managed to do that.
As you said, they also made me work harder. They also made me a better player and made me understand what I need to do on the court and off the court as well.
The fantastic FreedomTennis once again coming up with the goods.
Monday, 11 June 2012
Novak's Post Final Press Conference
Courtesy: Freedom Tennis
Q. I guess of course you’re disappointed. What maybe are you regretting the most about this final in two days? How have you lived with this tension?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, this has been a strange final with delays and conditions and two days’ length of match. I’m just happy to be in this position, you know, to be playing finals at Roland Garros.
I could easily have lost the match in fourth round or even more against Tsonga, but I managed to come to the finals for the first time in my career. I should be happy about that, of course. I will be and I am, but in this moment I am disappointed about this loss because I thought I started to play better in the third set and felt like I could take this match to a fifth set, and then, you know, everything could be possible, but, yeah, unfortunately there has been a rain delay yesterday when I started to feel really good on the court.
But look, you know, I don’t want to find an excuse in that, because the first rain delay maybe helped me a little bit; the second helped him.
So that’s the way it goes, and the better player won today. So congratulations for that.
Q. Just to take you back to last night, did you think that the conditions, when you went off, were any worse than the conditions when you actually resumed?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, they were really bad, the conditions yesterday, because it was raining for a while, but, you know, going back now, it’s really hard to say and to put a ‑‑ you know, there are decision‑makers, and there are people who know what is good for players and what is not good for players.
Of course we were all communicating in the locker rooms with the ITF and ATP officials and tournament organizers in order to come up with the best decision, and I was ready to continue on and play last night. I thought around 8:00 the rain stopped, but they decided to stop because the weather conditions were not good and the court was not in a good condition.
So I was okay with that. You know, I am not putting a blame on anybody. No, no, look, you know, I’m not going back and saying, Okay, it’s your fault, your fault, because I lost.
It’s unfortunate, because I think I was playing better and I was feeling really well on the court. Today he started off really strong. I started a bit slower. It was a little bit unfortunate in that first game, and things turned around.
Q. Regardless of the outcome, what could you say about the quality of tennis you played the last two days? Is it probably some of the best you played this tournament?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Oh, for sure, you know. First two sets I was serving really bad, and I think I allowed him to put a lot of pressure on my serves and made a lot of breaks.
After that, I started serving better and I was in the court, and, you know, I was playing really aggressive.
Finally I felt, you know, great on the court.
You know, we almost played four hours. I thought we played a fantastic match where people hopefully enjoyed yesterday and today, and I was even surprised with the number of people who attended this match today. It was a working day, but it was still a full stadium.
It’s beautiful, you know. These matches make you feel like all the work that you put into it is worth ‑‑ you know, you’re living for this moment to play finals of any Grand Slam, and sometimes you win; sometimes you lose.
I lost this time. But I believe that there are still many years to come, and hopefully I can come back stronger.
Q. You have been chasing the dream of the Novak Slam, and I know that you said that it’s been in your mind but not in the front of your mind all year. Do you think that the disappointment that’s now gone for a little while will affect you now for the next few days?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Disappointment is there because I lost the match. You know, I lost the finals. Yes, there was obviously opportunity to make a history, as well.
But it was not a primary thought in my mind, so right now I am still under impression of the match, so I have now a week off. Then I’m going to go to practice on grass before Wimbledon.
Q. I have two questions. First one is you played much better always in this tournament in like the second half of the match against Seppi, Tsonga and even the final. So starting from zero today, how long did you make your warmup before, and was it a problem for you, the fact that the second half was that now the beginning of the match? And the second question is do you think that you won the hearts of the French crowd with this final more than ever?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: As I understood the first question, you are questioning my warmup, if it’s good enough or…
Q. You always play better…
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I understand what you’re saying. You are saying that I’m not warming up well?
Q. (Off microphone.)
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I warm up very long, trust me. I’m warming up very long, and we are taking care of the routine that I have, so maybe it happened now, but usually I am always aware and ready for the start of the match, okay.
Maybe it happened that a couple of matches I started worse than I’ve played in the second part, but okay, you know, I cannot get into the details now.
But regarding the French crowd, I hope I did, you know. I thought I had lots of support, and I’m very thankful for that. You know, in these matches, when you’re playing top player, somebody that is recognized all over the world, you know, a true champion, Nadal and Federer and all these guys have so much fans and so much support, and to be able to have, when I play against them, this much support, is really something, you know. I appreciate that.
Q. I know it’s very early to look back on stuff, but it’s the only chance we’ve got to ask you. How much of a factor going through this tournament was the four Grand Slams in a row, and did that affect you moving through the rounds?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It didn’t. It really didn’t. I mean, I was excited about this opportunity. Nothing more than that, really.
Q. Were you at all distracted by what appeared to be a noise from the crowd before that last serve?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: There was a lot of noises between the serves throughout the whole match, so I can’t really ‑‑ no, I wasn’t.
Q. What can you say about Rafa? Still you feel like the best clay‑court player in the history of tennis? Do you recognize him like still is big, big rivalry between him and you in the coming years?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, he’s definitely best player in history, I mean, on this surface, and results are showing that he’s one of the best‑ever players that played this game. I mean, he’s only 26 years old.
We are very young, and we played over 30 times against each other, and hopefully we can have many more battles in the next years.
Q. This is obviously the fourth Grand Slam that you have played against him in the final. Do you think it’s good for tennis that you two are so dominant at the biggest tournaments?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I think so. I believe so. I mean, obviously Federer and Nadal have still, I think, the biggest rivalry in the sport, I mean, because they have been at the top for so many years, they have been so dominant. I mean, I just joined that rivalry, I think, you know, just recently, couple years ago.
You know, I think the sport is experiencing some really good times now. We’re attracting a lot of attention to men’s tennis because we have, you know, these two great players, and Murray, myself, and we really have some great players, some charismatic players, a lot of personalities. This is good for tennis.
Q. This season on clay, Nadal was the most consistent player while you were less consistent than him. Do you think the final reflected the season on clay? If you could look back on the clay‑court season, is there anything you would change?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I don’t think I was not consistent enough. I mean, I was less consistent than him, if you want to say that. Yeah, I played three finals. He has won three finals against me. It’s tough to be more consistent than that, you know, on this surface.
Okay. Last year I lost only one match on clay, French Open semifinals. But look, you know, things happen for a reason, you know. As I said, I could have lost in this tournament earlier. I managed to get to the finals for the first time, so I wouldn’t change anything, you know. I don’t like going back and saying, Okay, maybe this could have gone better.
Everything in life is a lesson, and that’s the way it goes. I hope I can come out stronger and better from this experience.
Q. How difficult is it to win eight games in a row against Nadal on clay?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Very difficult. Very difficult.
Q. I guess of course you’re disappointed. What maybe are you regretting the most about this final in two days? How have you lived with this tension?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, this has been a strange final with delays and conditions and two days’ length of match. I’m just happy to be in this position, you know, to be playing finals at Roland Garros.
I could easily have lost the match in fourth round or even more against Tsonga, but I managed to come to the finals for the first time in my career. I should be happy about that, of course. I will be and I am, but in this moment I am disappointed about this loss because I thought I started to play better in the third set and felt like I could take this match to a fifth set, and then, you know, everything could be possible, but, yeah, unfortunately there has been a rain delay yesterday when I started to feel really good on the court.
But look, you know, I don’t want to find an excuse in that, because the first rain delay maybe helped me a little bit; the second helped him.
So that’s the way it goes, and the better player won today. So congratulations for that.
Q. Just to take you back to last night, did you think that the conditions, when you went off, were any worse than the conditions when you actually resumed?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, they were really bad, the conditions yesterday, because it was raining for a while, but, you know, going back now, it’s really hard to say and to put a ‑‑ you know, there are decision‑makers, and there are people who know what is good for players and what is not good for players.
Of course we were all communicating in the locker rooms with the ITF and ATP officials and tournament organizers in order to come up with the best decision, and I was ready to continue on and play last night. I thought around 8:00 the rain stopped, but they decided to stop because the weather conditions were not good and the court was not in a good condition.
So I was okay with that. You know, I am not putting a blame on anybody. No, no, look, you know, I’m not going back and saying, Okay, it’s your fault, your fault, because I lost.
It’s unfortunate, because I think I was playing better and I was feeling really well on the court. Today he started off really strong. I started a bit slower. It was a little bit unfortunate in that first game, and things turned around.
Q. Regardless of the outcome, what could you say about the quality of tennis you played the last two days? Is it probably some of the best you played this tournament?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Oh, for sure, you know. First two sets I was serving really bad, and I think I allowed him to put a lot of pressure on my serves and made a lot of breaks.
After that, I started serving better and I was in the court, and, you know, I was playing really aggressive.
Finally I felt, you know, great on the court.
You know, we almost played four hours. I thought we played a fantastic match where people hopefully enjoyed yesterday and today, and I was even surprised with the number of people who attended this match today. It was a working day, but it was still a full stadium.
It’s beautiful, you know. These matches make you feel like all the work that you put into it is worth ‑‑ you know, you’re living for this moment to play finals of any Grand Slam, and sometimes you win; sometimes you lose.
I lost this time. But I believe that there are still many years to come, and hopefully I can come back stronger.
Q. You have been chasing the dream of the Novak Slam, and I know that you said that it’s been in your mind but not in the front of your mind all year. Do you think that the disappointment that’s now gone for a little while will affect you now for the next few days?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Disappointment is there because I lost the match. You know, I lost the finals. Yes, there was obviously opportunity to make a history, as well.
But it was not a primary thought in my mind, so right now I am still under impression of the match, so I have now a week off. Then I’m going to go to practice on grass before Wimbledon.
Q. I have two questions. First one is you played much better always in this tournament in like the second half of the match against Seppi, Tsonga and even the final. So starting from zero today, how long did you make your warmup before, and was it a problem for you, the fact that the second half was that now the beginning of the match? And the second question is do you think that you won the hearts of the French crowd with this final more than ever?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: As I understood the first question, you are questioning my warmup, if it’s good enough or…
Q. You always play better…
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I understand what you’re saying. You are saying that I’m not warming up well?
Q. (Off microphone.)
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I warm up very long, trust me. I’m warming up very long, and we are taking care of the routine that I have, so maybe it happened now, but usually I am always aware and ready for the start of the match, okay.
Maybe it happened that a couple of matches I started worse than I’ve played in the second part, but okay, you know, I cannot get into the details now.
But regarding the French crowd, I hope I did, you know. I thought I had lots of support, and I’m very thankful for that. You know, in these matches, when you’re playing top player, somebody that is recognized all over the world, you know, a true champion, Nadal and Federer and all these guys have so much fans and so much support, and to be able to have, when I play against them, this much support, is really something, you know. I appreciate that.
Q. I know it’s very early to look back on stuff, but it’s the only chance we’ve got to ask you. How much of a factor going through this tournament was the four Grand Slams in a row, and did that affect you moving through the rounds?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It didn’t. It really didn’t. I mean, I was excited about this opportunity. Nothing more than that, really.
Q. Were you at all distracted by what appeared to be a noise from the crowd before that last serve?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: There was a lot of noises between the serves throughout the whole match, so I can’t really ‑‑ no, I wasn’t.
Q. What can you say about Rafa? Still you feel like the best clay‑court player in the history of tennis? Do you recognize him like still is big, big rivalry between him and you in the coming years?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, he’s definitely best player in history, I mean, on this surface, and results are showing that he’s one of the best‑ever players that played this game. I mean, he’s only 26 years old.
We are very young, and we played over 30 times against each other, and hopefully we can have many more battles in the next years.
Q. This is obviously the fourth Grand Slam that you have played against him in the final. Do you think it’s good for tennis that you two are so dominant at the biggest tournaments?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I think so. I believe so. I mean, obviously Federer and Nadal have still, I think, the biggest rivalry in the sport, I mean, because they have been at the top for so many years, they have been so dominant. I mean, I just joined that rivalry, I think, you know, just recently, couple years ago.
You know, I think the sport is experiencing some really good times now. We’re attracting a lot of attention to men’s tennis because we have, you know, these two great players, and Murray, myself, and we really have some great players, some charismatic players, a lot of personalities. This is good for tennis.
Q. This season on clay, Nadal was the most consistent player while you were less consistent than him. Do you think the final reflected the season on clay? If you could look back on the clay‑court season, is there anything you would change?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I don’t think I was not consistent enough. I mean, I was less consistent than him, if you want to say that. Yeah, I played three finals. He has won three finals against me. It’s tough to be more consistent than that, you know, on this surface.
Okay. Last year I lost only one match on clay, French Open semifinals. But look, you know, things happen for a reason, you know. As I said, I could have lost in this tournament earlier. I managed to get to the finals for the first time, so I wouldn’t change anything, you know. I don’t like going back and saying, Okay, maybe this could have gone better.
Everything in life is a lesson, and that’s the way it goes. I hope I can come out stronger and better from this experience.
Q. How difficult is it to win eight games in a row against Nadal on clay?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Very difficult. Very difficult.
Friday, 8 June 2012
Novak's post semi final press conference
Many thanks to FreedomTennis
Q. Was it a little difficult to keep your concentration at a level where you wanted today, considering the ebbs and flows of the match?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it’s always an effort and it’s always a challenge, you know, to be focused and play, take the maximum amount of your abilities out of these matches.
That is the ask, you know. That is something that you need to do if you want to be a winner at the end of matches against one of your biggest rivals.
Q. The Australian Open final, what recollections do you have of that amazing final now, and what do you draw from that? And also wanted to ask you about the one shot which Rafa mentioned in his press conference, that easy backhand he missed in the final of the fifth set, if you have any recollections of that moment, if you know what I mean.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it’s definitely the most exciting match I ever had in my career, you know. The longest for sure. You know, considering the fact that it was a final, it was just incredible historic match to be part of.
Obviously we both wanted to win and win the trophy, and in the end it had to be only one winner. But I thought we played an incredible match. And, yes, he did have his chances. Obviously that backhand that you mentioned, I think it was 3‑2 or 4‑2 up and 30‑15.
But that’s what happens at this level: couple of points and couple of mistakes decide the winner. It’s going to be quite different on Sunday because this is a different surface. It’s different circumstances.
You know, he plays always his best here in Roland Garros, and so I expect to do that as well on Sunday. I know that I have to be consistently playing consistently well on very high level in order to win best‑of‑five against Nadal here.
It’s an ultimate challenge. But, you know, I believe that today was the best match of 2012 Roland Garros for me, so I’ve raised my game when I needed to. I played really well when it was the most important, so that’s something that gives me confidence obviously before the finals.
Q. In the previous rounds you came out of some very difficult situations in this Roland Garros, and today especially in the second set again you have had a very tough second set. What happens in those moments? Like it’s as if you’re becoming a master in crisis management. What happens? Your concentration is like getting to its peak? What happens?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it’s up and down. I think I would really want myself not to have the downs that I had in the beginning of the second set, you know, losing two times the serve.
But I regrouped, you know, mentally, and I came back. That’s really a positive, you know, especially when you come back from double break down. Against a player like Federer it is a success. You know, it is a great achievement.
But look, you know, I cannot allow myself to have that many ups and downs, especially the next match. You know, I know, I am aware of the intensity that I needed to play today and on Sunday, as well.
I’m not for the first time in that position. I have let’s say the experience playing semifinals and finals against these two guys so many times in the last five years. But never against Nadal in the finals here in Roland Garros, so it’s going to be a challenge.
Both of us want this title. We’ll see who will prevail.
Q. Can we have an answer in French for French radios, please? (In French.)
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, I understand.
Q. (In French.) This is your most important match in your career. What is your mindset? How did you feel?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: (In French) Well, I’m happy with my game today. I think that today this was a very important moment for me. I played even better. It’s very important before I play against Nadal. It’s the first time I’m going to be with him in the finals here in Paris. I hope I’m going to play a good match again, and that the level I’ll play will be high.
That’s the best can I do at this moment.
Q. (In English.) The last three times you played Nadal in the Grand Slam final you came in with a winning streak against him, and this time it’s different. Do you feel like even though it’s on clay that the dynamic between you two has changed? And how?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, he won the last two encounters we had on clay in finals in Monte‑Carlo and Rome. Everything counts. I did have a little strange circumstances in Monte‑Carlo. But look, you know, I’m not looking for excuse. He was a better player.
You know, things change at this level, as I said. You know, I didn’t expect to win every match till the end of our careers against him, even though I won what, six, seven in a row?
But I won against him on clay last year two times back to back in eight days, and that’s something that is back of my mind. That’s something that can give me confidence, you know, I can think of when I step on the court with him on Sunday.
But obviously it is different because now it’s best‑of‑five. He has lost what, two matches in his career here? So that’s ‑‑ or one? (Laughter.)
That says enough, I mean, about his quality on this court. I lost to him I think here I think maybe three times. I haven’t won a set against him in this court. You know, all the facts are on his side.
But, look, you know, I feel different nowadays. I believe I’m at the peak of my career. I’m playing the best tennis of my life in last year and a half, and I should use that, you know. I should use that as a confidence boostance [sic] and try to get my hands on title. Why not?
I have won against a great player today. First time I find myself on Sunday in Paris. Let’s see what I can do.
Q. Roger Federer said that Rafa was clearly the favorite for the final. Do you agree?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I just mentioned all the facts, so you can say that he’s a favorite, definitely.
It’s a final, so, again, I think it’s unpredictable what’s going to happen because we are top two players, and we have played so many times last year and a half in so many finals.
He is a favorite because of all the facts that we just mentioned. But I believe in myself. I think I have a chance.
Q. What’s the difference between, say, controlling a match and points on grass and hard courts against Rafa than it would be on clay, which you’ve done a very good job with obviously on the other surfaces?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, because here you get an extra ball back. It’s a slower conditions, which obviously suits him better. The ball bounces a bit higher for his topspin that he plays, you know, on this surface. It works at his advantage.
But between, you know, I think the conditions on the center court here in Roland Garros maybe comparing to other clay court events that we have, like Monte‑Carlo or maybe Rome, I think they are a little bit faster.
So that can maybe work in my favor. But you can always expect him to play on a very high level, you know. He doesn’t have much flaws in his game on this surface, so I need to step on the court believing I can win.
I mean, that’s the only way really I am aware of the differences in the surface. But I’ll try to make ‑‑ to have a right mindset and believe.
Q. I don’t want to insist so much on Rafa being the favorite and so on, but I would like you to give us a number, like the final is 50/50, 60% for him…
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I have to disappoint you. I’m really not good with numbers. I’m not good with percentages. (Smiling.)
Q. Can you just talk about the historical importance of this match? I mean, for both of you there is a lot on the line.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, there’s a lot on the line. It always is when you’re playing finals of a Grand Slam.
Obviously, you know, considering the matches that we played against each other in last 15 months, you know, we expect another emotional match, another big challenge for both of us, fighting for one of the four biggest titles in our sport.
So there’s always that on the line. And of course the other side, for me personally, is that I have this golden opportunity to, you know, make history. This motivates me, you know. It really inspires me.
You know, I’m really grateful to be in this position, obviously. And look, you know, I’ll try to prepare for that match and get my hands on that trophy if I can.
Q. Can I ask you how much your grandfather is still in your thoughts? If you don’t mind me asking. How much of a motivation and inspiration kind of his memory is during this run?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, he’s always in my thoughts, you know, in a very positive way.
You know, I overcome the sadness that I had, you know, in that period during Monte‑Carlo tournament and afterwards. Life goes on, and remember good moments. Yeah, it was nice to see most of my family today there, even my cousins from Geneva. They all came. It was really nice to have my box full with the closest ones.
Q. Just go back to the motivation. You were talking about being motivated to make history. When Roger was beating you in finals and Rafa was beating you in semifinals, did you ever think, One day I could actually eclipse them and do something that they haven’t done, which hasn’t been done in our sport?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s very hard to find anything they haven’t done and achieved, you know, both of these guys. But if there is one thing they haven’t done and I can do, I would be very happy.
But I’m not thinking about that, you know. It’s not about really, you know, okay, prestige or whatever, being better than one person. I’m thinking about myself, my career, and just trying to win every match that I play on.
And obviously I had a lot of doubts, you know, in last couple of years if I can really overcome the big challenge of the two strongest players in our sport, most dominant players in our sport.
I’ve matured, you know. I got stronger over the years. You know, it’s because of them, as well, you know. They made me a better player. This is I think the beauty of today’s tennis in this moment, is that we make each other better players and better persons on and off the court.
So it’s, you know, it’s nice to see that.
Q. When you prepare for a very important match, either with your entourage or yourself, do you sometimes watch videos of another match you’ve done with this player and analyze the situation and say, I should have done this or I should have done that? Do you sometimes use video?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, sure. We do have a different ways of preparation. That’s one of the ways to prepare the strategy, yeah.
Q. Do you intend to do this for the final?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I will keep my own routine, yes. Yes.
Q. Was it a little difficult to keep your concentration at a level where you wanted today, considering the ebbs and flows of the match?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it’s always an effort and it’s always a challenge, you know, to be focused and play, take the maximum amount of your abilities out of these matches.
That is the ask, you know. That is something that you need to do if you want to be a winner at the end of matches against one of your biggest rivals.
Q. The Australian Open final, what recollections do you have of that amazing final now, and what do you draw from that? And also wanted to ask you about the one shot which Rafa mentioned in his press conference, that easy backhand he missed in the final of the fifth set, if you have any recollections of that moment, if you know what I mean.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it’s definitely the most exciting match I ever had in my career, you know. The longest for sure. You know, considering the fact that it was a final, it was just incredible historic match to be part of.
Obviously we both wanted to win and win the trophy, and in the end it had to be only one winner. But I thought we played an incredible match. And, yes, he did have his chances. Obviously that backhand that you mentioned, I think it was 3‑2 or 4‑2 up and 30‑15.
But that’s what happens at this level: couple of points and couple of mistakes decide the winner. It’s going to be quite different on Sunday because this is a different surface. It’s different circumstances.
You know, he plays always his best here in Roland Garros, and so I expect to do that as well on Sunday. I know that I have to be consistently playing consistently well on very high level in order to win best‑of‑five against Nadal here.
It’s an ultimate challenge. But, you know, I believe that today was the best match of 2012 Roland Garros for me, so I’ve raised my game when I needed to. I played really well when it was the most important, so that’s something that gives me confidence obviously before the finals.
Q. In the previous rounds you came out of some very difficult situations in this Roland Garros, and today especially in the second set again you have had a very tough second set. What happens in those moments? Like it’s as if you’re becoming a master in crisis management. What happens? Your concentration is like getting to its peak? What happens?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it’s up and down. I think I would really want myself not to have the downs that I had in the beginning of the second set, you know, losing two times the serve.
But I regrouped, you know, mentally, and I came back. That’s really a positive, you know, especially when you come back from double break down. Against a player like Federer it is a success. You know, it is a great achievement.
But look, you know, I cannot allow myself to have that many ups and downs, especially the next match. You know, I know, I am aware of the intensity that I needed to play today and on Sunday, as well.
I’m not for the first time in that position. I have let’s say the experience playing semifinals and finals against these two guys so many times in the last five years. But never against Nadal in the finals here in Roland Garros, so it’s going to be a challenge.
Both of us want this title. We’ll see who will prevail.
Q. Can we have an answer in French for French radios, please? (In French.)
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, I understand.
Q. (In French.) This is your most important match in your career. What is your mindset? How did you feel?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: (In French) Well, I’m happy with my game today. I think that today this was a very important moment for me. I played even better. It’s very important before I play against Nadal. It’s the first time I’m going to be with him in the finals here in Paris. I hope I’m going to play a good match again, and that the level I’ll play will be high.
That’s the best can I do at this moment.
Q. (In English.) The last three times you played Nadal in the Grand Slam final you came in with a winning streak against him, and this time it’s different. Do you feel like even though it’s on clay that the dynamic between you two has changed? And how?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, he won the last two encounters we had on clay in finals in Monte‑Carlo and Rome. Everything counts. I did have a little strange circumstances in Monte‑Carlo. But look, you know, I’m not looking for excuse. He was a better player.
You know, things change at this level, as I said. You know, I didn’t expect to win every match till the end of our careers against him, even though I won what, six, seven in a row?
But I won against him on clay last year two times back to back in eight days, and that’s something that is back of my mind. That’s something that can give me confidence, you know, I can think of when I step on the court with him on Sunday.
But obviously it is different because now it’s best‑of‑five. He has lost what, two matches in his career here? So that’s ‑‑ or one? (Laughter.)
That says enough, I mean, about his quality on this court. I lost to him I think here I think maybe three times. I haven’t won a set against him in this court. You know, all the facts are on his side.
But, look, you know, I feel different nowadays. I believe I’m at the peak of my career. I’m playing the best tennis of my life in last year and a half, and I should use that, you know. I should use that as a confidence boostance [sic] and try to get my hands on title. Why not?
I have won against a great player today. First time I find myself on Sunday in Paris. Let’s see what I can do.
Q. Roger Federer said that Rafa was clearly the favorite for the final. Do you agree?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I just mentioned all the facts, so you can say that he’s a favorite, definitely.
It’s a final, so, again, I think it’s unpredictable what’s going to happen because we are top two players, and we have played so many times last year and a half in so many finals.
He is a favorite because of all the facts that we just mentioned. But I believe in myself. I think I have a chance.
Q. What’s the difference between, say, controlling a match and points on grass and hard courts against Rafa than it would be on clay, which you’ve done a very good job with obviously on the other surfaces?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, because here you get an extra ball back. It’s a slower conditions, which obviously suits him better. The ball bounces a bit higher for his topspin that he plays, you know, on this surface. It works at his advantage.
But between, you know, I think the conditions on the center court here in Roland Garros maybe comparing to other clay court events that we have, like Monte‑Carlo or maybe Rome, I think they are a little bit faster.
So that can maybe work in my favor. But you can always expect him to play on a very high level, you know. He doesn’t have much flaws in his game on this surface, so I need to step on the court believing I can win.
I mean, that’s the only way really I am aware of the differences in the surface. But I’ll try to make ‑‑ to have a right mindset and believe.
Q. I don’t want to insist so much on Rafa being the favorite and so on, but I would like you to give us a number, like the final is 50/50, 60% for him…
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I have to disappoint you. I’m really not good with numbers. I’m not good with percentages. (Smiling.)
Q. Can you just talk about the historical importance of this match? I mean, for both of you there is a lot on the line.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, there’s a lot on the line. It always is when you’re playing finals of a Grand Slam.
Obviously, you know, considering the matches that we played against each other in last 15 months, you know, we expect another emotional match, another big challenge for both of us, fighting for one of the four biggest titles in our sport.
So there’s always that on the line. And of course the other side, for me personally, is that I have this golden opportunity to, you know, make history. This motivates me, you know. It really inspires me.
You know, I’m really grateful to be in this position, obviously. And look, you know, I’ll try to prepare for that match and get my hands on that trophy if I can.
Q. Can I ask you how much your grandfather is still in your thoughts? If you don’t mind me asking. How much of a motivation and inspiration kind of his memory is during this run?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, he’s always in my thoughts, you know, in a very positive way.
You know, I overcome the sadness that I had, you know, in that period during Monte‑Carlo tournament and afterwards. Life goes on, and remember good moments. Yeah, it was nice to see most of my family today there, even my cousins from Geneva. They all came. It was really nice to have my box full with the closest ones.
Q. Just go back to the motivation. You were talking about being motivated to make history. When Roger was beating you in finals and Rafa was beating you in semifinals, did you ever think, One day I could actually eclipse them and do something that they haven’t done, which hasn’t been done in our sport?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s very hard to find anything they haven’t done and achieved, you know, both of these guys. But if there is one thing they haven’t done and I can do, I would be very happy.
But I’m not thinking about that, you know. It’s not about really, you know, okay, prestige or whatever, being better than one person. I’m thinking about myself, my career, and just trying to win every match that I play on.
And obviously I had a lot of doubts, you know, in last couple of years if I can really overcome the big challenge of the two strongest players in our sport, most dominant players in our sport.
I’ve matured, you know. I got stronger over the years. You know, it’s because of them, as well, you know. They made me a better player. This is I think the beauty of today’s tennis in this moment, is that we make each other better players and better persons on and off the court.
So it’s, you know, it’s nice to see that.
Q. When you prepare for a very important match, either with your entourage or yourself, do you sometimes watch videos of another match you’ve done with this player and analyze the situation and say, I should have done this or I should have done that? Do you sometimes use video?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, sure. We do have a different ways of preparation. That’s one of the ways to prepare the strategy, yeah.
Q. Do you intend to do this for the final?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I will keep my own routine, yes. Yes.
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Novak Made It
Oh My God, what a match to witness. Ready thought that Jo had got him but Nole found a way. Here is a transcript of his press conference.
Q. It has been confirmed that you are going to do an exhibition match in Brazil in November. Are you excited about it? Have you ever come to Brazil? Would you like if the opponent could be Guga?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, yes, it’s the first time now that I talk about it. It’s confirmed. I’m really excited because I never been in Brazil.
I heard all the best things about your country. Of course, Guga is the biggest tennis legend there. I would like to play with him. It’s still not decided. Even if I play with Thomaz will be great.
Just the experience of being in Brazil makes me very happy.
Q. You actually played a little bit like Pele out there today. On those match points, how is it you’re able to raise your game and play such astonishing tennis when it’s such a big pressure occasion?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: There is really not any rational explanation or a word that can describe what you’re supposed to do when you’re match points down or when you’re losing and you’re very close to lose the match.
It’s, I guess, trying to be mentally tough and believing in your shots. Obviously a little bit of experience that I had playing on this level for last five, six years. I did have some matches similar to this one when I was match points down and managing to come back.
So I don’t want to be wise now and say, Okay, I know you how to play when I’m match points down. Because as I said, there is no explanation. I’m just going for the shots. I’m glad I was aggressive in these moments and, you know, it paid back for me.
Q. It felt as if being so close to being out unlocked something in you, because you seemed to produce from then the best level that you’ve played in the tournament by the look of it.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, look, this level, this level of tennis is very mental, you know, lots of emotions. If you’re playing top player and home favorite and you have a crowd that is supporting him incredibly so, you have to face all these things.
Physically, we are all ready, we are all fit, and we are all hitting the ball well. But it’s a matter of, you know, just couple of points here and there will decide winner. That was the case.
I mean, if he would win he would deserve the win, no doubt. But, you know, that’s sport. The one that mentally, I think, pushes more maybe in some moments and obviously gets also a bit lucky and gets the win, you know, that’s how it goes.
You know, ones you win, ones you lose, but the more important thing is to try to take the best out of these matches and enjoy them, you know, because as a tennis player, this is what you live for. This is what you practice for all these years, you know, to be part of incredible performance, incredible match encounter here in Roland Garros, you know, with the home players.
I’m really glad that I could win today.
Q. In today’s match, Tsonga’s level, did it kind of surprise you? Because at some points you opened your hands in disbelief to some unbelievable shots he was doing. Was it more the winner’s spirit than anything else?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, look, you know, for the set and a half I played great. Jo was making a lot of unforced errors. He wasn’t serving the way he was serving after that.
So, you know, I think I felt good on the court. Then I played one bad service game, and that’s when the momentum changed, you know. He got crowd on his side, big support. He started serving whenever he was in trouble.
Break balls second, third, fourth set, he always served it out, and really big, which is not something that happened for the first time. He tends to play always his best when ‑‑ you know, when the pressure, he comes to the net and hits the ball. That’s why he’s one of the top players.
Yeah, it was incredible. I mean, at some stages, even though I thought I was returning really well and I was in the point, he just went for everything. He was playing, in my opinion, incredibly well.
But in the end, I managed to breakthrough.
Q. Last time I guess you said just the serve was working well. What about your performance today? Was it any better? Did you feel the ball better?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, yeah, I felt much better. I really think that even though I was very close to lose this match I still played really well. Because my opponent as well, I have to give him credit for his performance, as I said.
But we played a very good quality match, I think.
Q. The moment when you sort of came up awkwardly after a backhand shot, looked as though perhaps you may have injured yourself. I was wondering what exactly you did there and how worried you may have been in that very moment.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, you know, at that very moment I didn’t know what to expect and how the leg would react. But it was the hamstring full stretch, you know, and it was a very quick, very sharp move.
So luckily for me there was no consequences.
Q. You’ve talked many times about the experience you’ve gotten in big matches. Could you talk a little bit about how that helps you at these moments? Is it just knowing how to play or getting used to the emotions? What is it?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, as I said, it’s a very small part of today’s case, you know, that experience of playing on a big stage. It does have its own part and role of today’s win and comeback that I had, but the bigger part is just staying composed, you know, and believing in your shots, really.
I mean, Jo has equal amount of experience playing in the big matches. He played finals of Grand Slams and he’s top 5, top 10 player for the last couple of years. I didn’t play anyone who is unexperienced at these moments, at this stage.
I mean, as you could see, whenever he was very close in important moment he went for the shot, so that’s what I did, as well.
You know, one of us had to win.
Q. Today was quite a match. If I could ask you to look ahead for a moment ‑ special semifinal coming up ‑ I’m wondering, first of all, if, to you, there is a special meaning in facing Federer again here in the semifinals after last year, and what maybe sticks out in particular from last year’s match for you.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, another great semifinal. I don’t want to talk too much about Roger. We all know his quality and can always expect him to perform his best at this stage of the tournament.
He came back from two sets down today. We both played tough matches in last two rounds. Now we’re going to have two days off and expect exciting semifinal.
You know, last year we were part of a great match that went the distance, and he played incredibly well. I thought I played on a very high level. I just hope we can have another good match for us and for the crowd to be a part of.
I think for me it’s crucial to be very focused and aggressive from the first moment, because that’s something that you can always expect Roger to have, you know, that control over the opponent from the start. I will try to be out there believing I can win.
Now there is no really favorite for that match. It’s semifinals, so everything is open.
Presser found on FreedonTennis A wonderful Blog.
Q. It has been confirmed that you are going to do an exhibition match in Brazil in November. Are you excited about it? Have you ever come to Brazil? Would you like if the opponent could be Guga?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, yes, it’s the first time now that I talk about it. It’s confirmed. I’m really excited because I never been in Brazil.
I heard all the best things about your country. Of course, Guga is the biggest tennis legend there. I would like to play with him. It’s still not decided. Even if I play with Thomaz will be great.
Just the experience of being in Brazil makes me very happy.
Q. You actually played a little bit like Pele out there today. On those match points, how is it you’re able to raise your game and play such astonishing tennis when it’s such a big pressure occasion?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: There is really not any rational explanation or a word that can describe what you’re supposed to do when you’re match points down or when you’re losing and you’re very close to lose the match.
It’s, I guess, trying to be mentally tough and believing in your shots. Obviously a little bit of experience that I had playing on this level for last five, six years. I did have some matches similar to this one when I was match points down and managing to come back.
So I don’t want to be wise now and say, Okay, I know you how to play when I’m match points down. Because as I said, there is no explanation. I’m just going for the shots. I’m glad I was aggressive in these moments and, you know, it paid back for me.
Q. It felt as if being so close to being out unlocked something in you, because you seemed to produce from then the best level that you’ve played in the tournament by the look of it.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, look, this level, this level of tennis is very mental, you know, lots of emotions. If you’re playing top player and home favorite and you have a crowd that is supporting him incredibly so, you have to face all these things.
Physically, we are all ready, we are all fit, and we are all hitting the ball well. But it’s a matter of, you know, just couple of points here and there will decide winner. That was the case.
I mean, if he would win he would deserve the win, no doubt. But, you know, that’s sport. The one that mentally, I think, pushes more maybe in some moments and obviously gets also a bit lucky and gets the win, you know, that’s how it goes.
You know, ones you win, ones you lose, but the more important thing is to try to take the best out of these matches and enjoy them, you know, because as a tennis player, this is what you live for. This is what you practice for all these years, you know, to be part of incredible performance, incredible match encounter here in Roland Garros, you know, with the home players.
I’m really glad that I could win today.
Q. In today’s match, Tsonga’s level, did it kind of surprise you? Because at some points you opened your hands in disbelief to some unbelievable shots he was doing. Was it more the winner’s spirit than anything else?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, look, you know, for the set and a half I played great. Jo was making a lot of unforced errors. He wasn’t serving the way he was serving after that.
So, you know, I think I felt good on the court. Then I played one bad service game, and that’s when the momentum changed, you know. He got crowd on his side, big support. He started serving whenever he was in trouble.
Break balls second, third, fourth set, he always served it out, and really big, which is not something that happened for the first time. He tends to play always his best when ‑‑ you know, when the pressure, he comes to the net and hits the ball. That’s why he’s one of the top players.
Yeah, it was incredible. I mean, at some stages, even though I thought I was returning really well and I was in the point, he just went for everything. He was playing, in my opinion, incredibly well.
But in the end, I managed to breakthrough.
Q. Last time I guess you said just the serve was working well. What about your performance today? Was it any better? Did you feel the ball better?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, yeah, I felt much better. I really think that even though I was very close to lose this match I still played really well. Because my opponent as well, I have to give him credit for his performance, as I said.
But we played a very good quality match, I think.
Q. The moment when you sort of came up awkwardly after a backhand shot, looked as though perhaps you may have injured yourself. I was wondering what exactly you did there and how worried you may have been in that very moment.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, you know, at that very moment I didn’t know what to expect and how the leg would react. But it was the hamstring full stretch, you know, and it was a very quick, very sharp move.
So luckily for me there was no consequences.
Q. You’ve talked many times about the experience you’ve gotten in big matches. Could you talk a little bit about how that helps you at these moments? Is it just knowing how to play or getting used to the emotions? What is it?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, as I said, it’s a very small part of today’s case, you know, that experience of playing on a big stage. It does have its own part and role of today’s win and comeback that I had, but the bigger part is just staying composed, you know, and believing in your shots, really.
I mean, Jo has equal amount of experience playing in the big matches. He played finals of Grand Slams and he’s top 5, top 10 player for the last couple of years. I didn’t play anyone who is unexperienced at these moments, at this stage.
I mean, as you could see, whenever he was very close in important moment he went for the shot, so that’s what I did, as well.
You know, one of us had to win.
Q. Today was quite a match. If I could ask you to look ahead for a moment ‑ special semifinal coming up ‑ I’m wondering, first of all, if, to you, there is a special meaning in facing Federer again here in the semifinals after last year, and what maybe sticks out in particular from last year’s match for you.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, another great semifinal. I don’t want to talk too much about Roger. We all know his quality and can always expect him to perform his best at this stage of the tournament.
He came back from two sets down today. We both played tough matches in last two rounds. Now we’re going to have two days off and expect exciting semifinal.
You know, last year we were part of a great match that went the distance, and he played incredibly well. I thought I played on a very high level. I just hope we can have another good match for us and for the crowd to be a part of.
I think for me it’s crucial to be very focused and aggressive from the first moment, because that’s something that you can always expect Roger to have, you know, that control over the opponent from the start. I will try to be out there believing I can win.
Now there is no really favorite for that match. It’s semifinals, so everything is open.
Presser found on FreedonTennis A wonderful Blog.
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Novak On The Practice Court
Short video of Novak on Chatrier today having a hit.
Novak Djokovic prepares the 2012 French Open by rolandgarros
Novak Djokovic prepares the 2012 French Open by rolandgarros
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Novak - UNIQLO Press Photos
A press conference was held today in Paris and Novak showed off his new kit sponsor.
I must admit, on first glance it does not look too bad. Certainly not as "in your face" as the ST brand.
Novak At Cannes
Novak quickly got out of his kit and into his tuxedo went of to Cannes.
He attended the Premiere of Killing Them Softly
He attended the Premiere of Killing Them Softly
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Uniqlo Signs Novak
Japanese clothing and sports equipment manufacturer Uniqlo will be Novak's new kit supplier. The deal will be signed later this week in Paris.
I will admit to having never of heard of this group even though they have 200 stores around the world.
Uniqlo is a subsidiary of Fast Retailing Co. company and their clothes were worn by Japan's Olympic athletes in the 1988, 2002 and 2004 Olympic Games.
Novak will be joining top Japanese player, Kei Nishikori who will miss the upcoming French Open due to a stomach injury sustained in Barcelona
Novak Without A Kit
Before you all get excited I mean that Novak has split from Sergio Tacchini due to "outgrowing the brand". Whatever that means.
A statement released today by Italian manufacturer said:
A statement released today by Italian manufacturer said:
“It has been mutually and amicably decided that, as of the 2012 Roland Garros Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic will no longer be the brand ambassador"I wonder who will take over after Roland Garros.
Rafa Rules Again
I only caught part of the match due to work commitments but from what I did see Novak seemed to be playing right into Rafa's hands with his game plan. I was very surprised he did not change it up a bit and be more aggressive.
With all that said I was impressed with Rafa, especially in the forecourt. When he comes forward he more often than not hits a winner. I really wish he would do that more often instead of grinding.
Anyway, Rafa is now back at Number 2 so the final is a possibility in Paris. It will be very interesting to see which one of them draws Roger as I think that will be the testing match, I can't see Murray beating either of Team Rafole in the other possible semi final.
I will be away for 3 weeks covering Roland Garros & Halle for The Tennis Times but I will make sure I post links to my reports here. Keep an eye on my Twitter & Facebook pages.
Monday, 14 May 2012
Friday, 11 May 2012
Novak Follows Rafa Out Of Madrid
I couldn't see anything specifically (physically) wrong with Novak today but I can honestly say that the surface played its part.
Novak is a slider, he is Mr Elastic with his defensive skills. If he does not have confidence with the court beneath his feet then he is not going to play his normal game. Why risk an injury in the run-up to Roland Garros?
I am sure Rafa & Novak are both glad this tournament is over for them, Rafa is already back home in Mallorca and catching fish :-)
To Rome we go.
Novak is a slider, he is Mr Elastic with his defensive skills. If he does not have confidence with the court beneath his feet then he is not going to play his normal game. Why risk an injury in the run-up to Roland Garros?
I am sure Rafa & Novak are both glad this tournament is over for them, Rafa is already back home in Mallorca and catching fish :-)
To Rome we go.
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Novak Not Happy
Reading the reports from Madrid and Novak's Tweets it seems he is not a happy chappie at all.
Tweet
Tweet
"First match on blue clay? Ouch. Next time I better bring my skates with me. So slippery out there."Press conference
''To me that's not tennis. Either I come out with football shoes or I invite Chuck Norris to advise me how to play on this court. Center court is impossible to move on. I hit five balls throughout the whole match.
With everything else, I was just trying to keep the ball in the court.It will be interesting to hear the thoughts of Rafa after he has played his match against Davydenko later today.
''When you slide on the red clay you have a feeling you can stop and recover from that step. But here, whatever you do ... you are always slipping. Not a single player - not woman not man - I didn't hear anyone say 'I like blue clay.'
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Novak Made to Fight
Wow, Novak was all over the shop today. He certainly did not look a happy chappie out there on court.
Was it the clay?
Is he still rusty from Monte Carlo?
Is he still grieving for his Grandfather?
Whatever the reasons if he is to retain this trophy he needs to blow away the cobwebs and do it quick. He looked very unsure with his footing at times, almost lackluster.
It will be interesting to hear what he has to say in the post match press conference. Let's hope for a better showing in his next match.
Ajde No1e.
Was it the clay?
Is he still rusty from Monte Carlo?
Is he still grieving for his Grandfather?
Whatever the reasons if he is to retain this trophy he needs to blow away the cobwebs and do it quick. He looked very unsure with his footing at times, almost lackluster.
It will be interesting to hear what he has to say in the post match press conference. Let's hope for a better showing in his next match.
Ajde No1e.
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