ATP

Novak Djokovic: “It was a great match to be part of, and I enjoyed it and hope the crowd did, too”

Published

10 years ago

30/05/2014

TENNIS 2014 ROLAND GARROS – 30^th of May 2014. N. Djokovic d. M . Cilic 6-3, 6-2, 6-7, 6-4. An interview with Novak Djokovic

Q. After the first two sets, it became a bit more complicated, the conditions and March rain playing very good. How did you feel out there?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I felt great. First two sets and beginning of the third I had some chances to break him and kind of get the job done in straight sets, but he started playing a little bit better.

I didn’t use this opportunity that were presented, and, you know, gave him a chance to come back to the match. He played great, the end of the third, especially in the tiebreak.

In the fourth, you know, 3 Love, Love 40, 4 1, Love 40, didn’t use that. And again, I complicated my own life there in the fourth. But generally it was a difficult match from different aspects.

Physically I had to work very hard, because he was very aggressive, and I could expect that. I came into the match knowing that he’s gonna take his chances.

You know, some shots, I mean, he was hitting really well. Second serve he was attacking and, you know, returning deep in the court and kind of pulling me back from the baseline, and then, you know, trying to dominate the rallies.

So it wasn’t easy, because, you know, once you start being passive, you know, you lose kind of the confidence to step in. That’s that’s what happened maybe in the end of the third and, you know, a little bit of the fourth.

In important moments I held my nerves and, you know, I’m very happy that I went through.

Q. Being on Lenglen maybe did it have any influence, the court, not being used to it or sliding a bit?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s different from the center court. Two things: First, it’s quicker, so it’s suitable more for servers like Marin and the players who play very aggressively; and it was kind of slippery a little bit.

But the quality of the court just looking at this year is a little bit better from the center.

You know, I expected that I’m going to play on Suzanne Lenglen, you know, there is nothing there is no excuses. It was a great match to be part of, and I enjoyed it and hope the crowd did, too.

Q. Can you say some words about your work with Boris Becker here in Roland Garros. How is he helping you? What are you guys working on and what does his presence mean for you?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, his presence means a lot for me and, of course, for the sport in general for such a legend and the player that has made a mark in the tennis history to be part of the sport again officially as a coach is really I think it brings a lot of positives to tennis.

I started feeling the benefits of our relationship and cooperation. And the start of the year it was obviously it took a little bit of time for us to get to know each other, and now I’m glad that it’s all working well.

In Rome he was there, together with Marjan Vajda, he is here in Paris. So both of them they have their own contribution, their impact on my game. I’m not going to discover exactly what, but generally it’s working, and I’m glad that it all goes in the right direction.

Q. If I could, I’d like to ask you: What do you consider the biggest win of your career? What loss was sort of the toughest, most brutal to take?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: The biggest one is Wimbledon in 2011, I won against Nadal and won the title and became No. 1. That was the probably the biggest day of my career.

And also the Davis Cup in 2010. That’s also very special, special title in my career.

I had tough losses, a lot of tough losses. It’s all sport. Probably I can’t pick one, but there were a few in Grand Slam finals that were quite…

Q. Have you heard about Gulbis’ sexist comments today? He said he hopes his two sisters won’t become professional tennis players because women need to think about having kids and they need to enjoy life. And he said also having kids he thinks they can’t have kids until they are in their late 20s, which is tough. What is your opinion?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don’t know what to say, really. Everybody is entitled on their own opinion. I respect his opinion, and I respect everybody’s opinion, but I can’t say more than that, really.

I respect everybody individually and their opinions and their rights and freedom to say what they want.

Q. This is a question from fans. Your brother, who is trying to be a successful tennis player, is is that the case? Marko?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes.

Q. What will happen the day you play him in a tournament and he will beat you?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I hope this day comes, to be honest. I really do.

What I’m going to do? I’m going to hug him, kiss him, and say, Yes, you’ve done it. I would love this day to come.

Related Topics:Marin Cilic Novak Djokovic roland Garros 2014

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ATP

Rafael Nadal To Play Laver Cup In Berlin

Published

3 days ago

22/04/2024

Adam Addicott

Rafael Nadal has eased speculation that he might be retiring from the sport soon after signing on to play in the Laver Cup later this year.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion is the latest player to join the line-up for this year’s team competition which features Europe taking on the rest of the world over three days. It will be Nadal’s fourth appearance in the competition and his first since 2022. He competed in the inaugural edition of the event back in 2017 alongside co-founder Roger Federer.

“I am very happy to be playing Laver Cup in Berlin for Team Europe,” Nadal said in a press release. “I have some really special memories from my Laver Cup experiences, including all the emotions from London two years ago playing alongside Roger for the last time.”

Nadal’s decision to play comes amid questions about his future in the sport. The former world No.1 has previously indicated that this year could be his last on the Tour but he has stated that no decision has been made. In recent months he has been sidelined from action due to injury setbacks and has only been able to play in two tournaments so far this year.

“At this stage in my career I really want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity I am given,” he explains.
“Teaming up is always an incredible experience and I have always enjoyed it, the competition is different and exciting. I’m looking forward to going to Berlin and helping Team Europe win back the Laver Cup.”

Other European players confirmed to be playing are Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev. Meanwhile, Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul have agreed to play for Team World. This year’s event will be held in Belin at the Uber Arena between September 20-22.

The Laver Cup was inspired by golf’s Ryder Cup. It was co-founded by Federer’s Team8 management company (which he formed with agent Tony Godsick), businessman Jorge Paulo Lemann and Tennis Australia. In 2019 it became an official ATP sanction event and now has a place on the official calendar.

Nadal is set to return to competitive action at the Madrid Masters which he has won on five previous occasions. He has been drawn to play teenage wild card Darwin Blanch in the first round. If he wins, Nadal will then play Alex de Minaur who knocked him out of the Barcelona Open last week.

ATP

Carlos Alcaraz In Doubt For Madrid Open Title Defence

Published

1 week ago

16/04/2024

Adam Addicott

Carlos Alcaraz admits that he is not certain if he will be ready in time to play at next week’s Madrid Masters.

The 20-year-old is yet to play a clay tournament in Europe due to a forearm injury which ruled him out of both Monte Carlo and Barcelona. He hurt his right arm whilst training shortly before the Monte Carlo event began.

It is the latest in a series of injury issues that has affected Alcaraz throughout his young career. Since the start of 2023, he has also been derailed by issues with his abdominal, hamstring, post-traumatic arthritis in his left hand and muscular discomfort in his spine.

“My feeling isn’t right, but it is what it is. Now I’m fully focused on recovery and I have a little more time,” Alcaraz told reporters in Barcelona on Monday.
“My goal is to try and go to the Madrid Open, but at the moment nothing is certain. I was given specific recovery times and I’ve respected them, but I haven’t felt good. I don’t want to get ahead of myself.
“I can’t say I’ll be 100% in Madrid, but that’s my intention. We’ll train and do everything we can so that the feelings improve so I can play a match … It’s also a very special tournament for me.”

Alcaraz has won the past two editions of the Madrid Open, which is classed as a Masters 1000 event. In 2022 he defeated Alexander Zverev in the final and then 12 months later he beat Jan-Lennard Struff in the title match.

The setback comes after what has been a steady start to the year for Alcaraz who has reached the quarter-finals or better in four out of five tournaments played. He successfully defended his title in Indian Wells and then reached the semi-finals in Miami.

Should he not play in Madrid, it is likely that the Spaniard will lose his No.2 spot to Jannik Sinner who is just over 100 points behind him in the standings. He will still have the chance to play a clay-court event before the French Open with Rome taking place early next month.

ATP

Olympic Qualification Is Not the Only Goal For French Veteran Gael Monfils

Published

2 weeks ago

10/04/2024

Adam Addicott

Gael Monfils (image via https://twitter.com/atptour)

Gael Monfils admits he doesn’t have too many years left on the Tour but this doesn’t mean his targets are any less ambitious.

The 37-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise up the rankings over the past 12 months following battles with injury. At his lowest, he was ranked 394th last May but is now in 40th position. As a result, he is closing on securing a place in the Olympic Games which is being held in his home country of France for the first time since 1924. The tennis event will be staged at Roland Garros.

“When I was 400, I was thinking the Olympics would be great, but it’s going to be tough,” Monfils told reporters on Tuesday.
“There are younger players playing well. If I don’t qualify, I don’t mind. It will just mean I’m very close to the ranking I want to be. That ranking will allow me to find another goal.”

Monfils is already a three-time Olympian but has never won a medal at the event. He reached the quarter-finals of the singles tournament twice in 2008 and 2016.

Another goal of Frenchmen is the Wimbledon championships which concludes just three weeks before the Olympics begin. The proximity of these tournaments will be a challenge to all players who will be going from playing on clay to grass and then back to clay again.

“I really want to go and play Wimbledon. I don’t have so many Wimbledons to play in the future. The Olympics is one goal, not the only goal.” Monfils states.
“My dream is of course to be part of the Olympics. I played three times at the Olympics. I’d like to be there again. But I also really want to do well in Wimbledon this year. To reach my goal, it has to be including Wimbledon.” He added.

Monfils is currently playing at the Monte Carlo Masters where he beat Aleksandar Vukic in his opening match. In the next round, he will take on Daniil Medvedev in what will be their first meeting since 2022. He leads their head-to-head 2-1.

Medvedev has openly spoken about his roller-coaster relationship with playing on the clay. He admits it is not his favourite surface but how much of a factor could this be in his upcoming clash with Monfils?

“Of course, it’s not his favourite one, but he’s still Daniil Medvedev, and whatever the surface, it’s always very complicated to play him,” Monfils concludes.