NOVAK DJOKOVIC LOOKS BACK ON “IMPRESSIVE” SEASON

Written by: Staff on 19th November 2014

NOVAK DJOKOVIC LOOKS BACK ON "IMPRESSIVE" SEASON

epa04492469 Novak Djokovic from Serbia poses with the trophy after Switzerland's Roger Federer pulled out of the final through injury at the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London, Britain, 16 November 2014. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA |

Courtesy and original link to the story thanks to the ATP: http://www.barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com/en/news-and-media/tennis/london-finale-2014-final-djokovic-reaction?utm_source=ATPMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ATP%20World%20Tour%20Weekly%20#40%20-%20November%2017%202014%20(1)

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic delivered a muted celebration after securing his fourth Barclays ATP World Tour Finals crown on Sunday, when rival Roger Federer was forced to withdraw from the final with a back ailment. The Serb admitted that he was uncomfortable celebrating such a prestigious title considering the circumstances.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts during his semi final match against Japan’s Kei Nishikori at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, Britain, 15 November 2014. EPA/ANDY RAIN

“You never like to win, especially these big matches against big rivals, with a retirement,” said the top seed. “Today it’s not easy because I didn’t play the final against Roger.”

Djokovic, who joined Ivan Lendl and Ilie Nastase as the only players to earn a three-peat at the season finale, reflected on another successful campaign on the ATP World Tour. The 27 year old finished as year-end No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings for a third time in four years, an achievement that came two weeks after claiming his 600th match victory en route to his 20th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown in Paris.

“Right now I’m at the pinnacle in my career. I physically feel very fit. I’m very motivated to keep on playing on a very high level. As long as it’s like that, I’m going to try to use these years in front of me to fight for World No. 1 and to fight for the biggest titles in the sport.

“Roland Garros is and was and still will be one of the biggest goals that I have. I’ll keep on trying. Any Grand Slam win is another page in the history books of this sport. Of course, being No. 1 is also one of the biggest challenges and biggest goals a player can have.”

Djokovic finishes the 2014 season with a 61-8 win-loss record, including six titles, capturing his second Indian Wells-Miami double in March, followed by more ATP World Tour Masters 1000 success on the clay of Rome and indoor hard courts of Paris. The Belgrade native also won his fifth China Open title in six years and brought home his seventh Grand Slam trophy at Wimbledon.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia (L) kisses his trophy after defeating Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) during their final match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis in Indian Wells, California, USA, 16 March 2014. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO

Novak Djokovic of Serbia falls to the court as he celebrates defeating Rafael Nadal of Spain following their men’s singles final match at the Sony Open tennis tournament on Key Biscayne in Miami, Florida, USA, 30 March 2014. EPA/RHONA WISE

“Looking back on the whole year, it’s been more than impressive for me, privately and professionally. I will try to take some time off now with my family. We’ll think about the next season after the break.”

Djokovic is now looking forward to a well-deserved break with his wife, Jelena, and baby son, Stefan, ahead of the 2015 ATP World Tour season.

“My wife told me what’s expecting me,” Djokovic added, referring to his parental duties. “I saw it before I came to Paris and London. I’m glad during the stay in London for these 10 days I got a lot of sleep, because that will not be the case from now.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s the most beautiful feeling that me and my wife have experienced, holding a baby in your arms. There will be a lot of that without the racquet in next couple of weeks for me.”

Topics: ATP World Tour Finals, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Tennis

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November 19, 2014 at 3:05 pm

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