News has just broke on the BBC Sport page that Rafa has withdrawn from the Olympic Games at Wimbledon.
A sad decision but the correct one. The knees are obviously not ready and it is correct to think long term.
News Reports:
Yahoo
Daily Mail
Eurosport Asia
Thursday, 19 July 2012
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Rafa's Knee Is Troubling Him again
The latest episode of tendinitis has meant the exhibition match against Novak due to take place at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid.
It is unsure if he has once again undergone PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment but the word is that he will still play at Wimbledon again this year, for Spain during the London 2012 Olympic Games.
This is very obviously an ongoing problem for Rafa that will never cease, certainly whilst playing tennis. It seems that his knees are now in such a condition that regular treatment is the only way for him to continue. Hopefully a good rest will do him some good and he is ready to compete once again.
It is unsure if he has once again undergone PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment but the word is that he will still play at Wimbledon again this year, for Spain during the London 2012 Olympic Games.
This is very obviously an ongoing problem for Rafa that will never cease, certainly whilst playing tennis. It seems that his knees are now in such a condition that regular treatment is the only way for him to continue. Hopefully a good rest will do him some good and he is ready to compete once again.
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".
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Rafa Not Happy At Olympic Set-up
It always makes me laugh when I see the words "Wimbledon fast grass". It's not fast, certainly not in the way it should be. Surface homogenisation gets worse with each passing tournament. But Rafa ain't happy that, apart from the Gold Medal Match, all matches will be the best of 3 sets.
Is this fair?
"That's makes the tournament a little bit more crazy. Everybody can win even more than on hard or clay, because playing best of three sets, the match can be decided in just a few points.
"So that's probably the negative thing. In every match, you are at the limit.
"I don't say it's a 'crazy idea'. But it is a little bit more difficult to predict what's going to happen."
Is that not want we want, unpredictable tennis? Or should everything bow down to the top players? I say no, the playing field should be level. If players are as good as they are made out to be they should be able to find a way.
Full story is here
Is this fair?
"That's makes the tournament a little bit more crazy. Everybody can win even more than on hard or clay, because playing best of three sets, the match can be decided in just a few points.
"So that's probably the negative thing. In every match, you are at the limit.
"I don't say it's a 'crazy idea'. But it is a little bit more difficult to predict what's going to happen."
Is that not want we want, unpredictable tennis? Or should everything bow down to the top players? I say no, the playing field should be level. If players are as good as they are made out to be they should be able to find a way.
Full story is here
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Rafa's Round 1 Wrap-Up
Rafa's Presser:
Q. What happened in the first few games of that match?
RAFAEL NADAL: Well, happened that I had the breakpoint in the first game, so I think I played a good first game. But he had a few chances at the first, and then two great serves in the advantage in the middle to the tee.
Then I played bad game with my serve. Even I think I have game point for me, or few chances, but I had a few mistakes with my forehand.
And then he hit a fantastic returns in the 3‑0, so he played a great game. I was lucky to be back, that’s the thing. I feel lucky after 4‑0 to be able to win the set.
Q. Thomaz said you don’t have any weakness in your game. Is that what you think?
RAFAEL NADAL: Well, I think I have, but thank you for the words of Thomaz, no?
I think today I didn’t play my best match. I think especially at the first set I played little bit too nervous, little bit not knowing exactly what to do. My movements were a little bit in defensive way, not in aggressive way.
But I was able to keep winning the first set. That’s the important thing and the good news. Then I started to play better. The second and third set I played better, even if I had a big mistake in the third with 2‑0, 30‑Love to probably close the set with 3‑0.
I felt in that moment I started to hit better the forehand. That’s the most important thing for me. And in the beginning I didn’t really had the best feeling with my forehand.
But then I started to feel a little bit better and I was able to hit a few forehands in a row with positive feeling, knowing that I don’t want to miss the ball. That’s a very important thing, no?
I think the serve worked great almost all the match. Just the beginning I start with not the best percentage, but I finished well, so I’m happy...... Read it all here
Match Report:
Guardian
Photos (Daylife & Yahoo):
Q. What happened in the first few games of that match?
RAFAEL NADAL: Well, happened that I had the breakpoint in the first game, so I think I played a good first game. But he had a few chances at the first, and then two great serves in the advantage in the middle to the tee.
Then I played bad game with my serve. Even I think I have game point for me, or few chances, but I had a few mistakes with my forehand.
And then he hit a fantastic returns in the 3‑0, so he played a great game. I was lucky to be back, that’s the thing. I feel lucky after 4‑0 to be able to win the set.
Q. Thomaz said you don’t have any weakness in your game. Is that what you think?
RAFAEL NADAL: Well, I think I have, but thank you for the words of Thomaz, no?
I think today I didn’t play my best match. I think especially at the first set I played little bit too nervous, little bit not knowing exactly what to do. My movements were a little bit in defensive way, not in aggressive way.
But I was able to keep winning the first set. That’s the important thing and the good news. Then I started to play better. The second and third set I played better, even if I had a big mistake in the third with 2‑0, 30‑Love to probably close the set with 3‑0.
I felt in that moment I started to hit better the forehand. That’s the most important thing for me. And in the beginning I didn’t really had the best feeling with my forehand.
But then I started to feel a little bit better and I was able to hit a few forehands in a row with positive feeling, knowing that I don’t want to miss the ball. That’s a very important thing, no?
I think the serve worked great almost all the match. Just the beginning I start with not the best percentage, but I finished well, so I’m happy...... Read it all here
Match Report:
Guardian
Photos (Daylife & Yahoo):
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.
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