Novak Djokovic Looking Forward To Challenges Ahead

Written by: Staff on 13th May 2012

Novak Djokovic Looking Forward To Challenges Ahead

epa03211063 Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic returns the ball during his Madrid Masters 1.000 tournament 'Mutua Madrid Open' first round match against Spaniard Daniel-Gimeno Traver at the Caja Magica sports premises in Madrid, central Spain, 08 May 2012. EPA/ALBERTO MARTIN |

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic said on Sunday he is looking forward to beginning his title defence at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia and the challenges that are ahead in the next two months.

“I’m physically fit and ready for the challenges that will come,” said the Serbian at the Foro Italico. “I’ve had a fantastic time here, especially in 2011. I really feel that this is why I feel really close to the Italian people.”

Djokovic will play either Australian Bernard Tomic or a qualifier in the second round. In 2011, he beat five-time Rome titlist Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-4 at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament.

The 24-year-old also admitted he was happy with his form. “This year so far for me has been great and I have already won a Grand Slam [at the Australian Open] and Miami. Obviously I set high standards for myself with 2011, how it was in the first six months, but I never compare and I wanted really to focus on each and every tournament that I play in.

“Physically and mentally I am fine. I am where I wanted to be. I am number one in the world and I am winning Grand Slams. I love the challenge and I will now have to work harder to stay where I am.”

Djokovic admitted after his Australian Open triumph in January, that lifting the Roland Garros title to complete his set of four major championships was a priority.

“Expectations and pressure are part of the professional sport and this is something that you get used to, but I think I have enough experience to know how to approach a Grand Slam and a tournament.

“I have played so many big matches and I love the opportunity and I love the challenge. It is one of the top priorities, but it is a Grand Slam where Nadal is always the top favourite and Federer and other players are able to win it. It’s going to be interesting to see who comes out on top.”

Roland Garros, the second major championship of the year, begins in Paris on 27 May.

Topics: ATP World Tour Masters 1000, Australian Bernard Tomic, Foro Italico, Internazionali BNL D'Italia, Mutua Madrid Open 2012, Novak Djokovic