Thursday 25 June 2015
Novak Djokovic made a winning return to grass today at The Boodles with victory of Richard Gasquet 64 67(4) 10-4. The world No.1, making his tenth consecutive visit to The Boodles to prepare for the defence of his Wimbledon title which will start on Monday at the All England Club, arrived in spectacular fashion by helicopter.
Novak Djokovic said:
“Wimbledon is the biggest event in the sport, at least in my opinion and the one that I think the majority of the players dream of winning. The grass court season is pretty short but its one week longer this year. Unfortunately I didn’t participate in any official tournament before Wimbledon but that is why I am coming here in Stoke Park because I need some match play and I like the scenery. I enjoy it, I have a lot of fun, we have a lot of laughs and its something that is not very common on the court, competing in big tournaments you are in your own world and in your own zone and you focus on winning and here it is not about winning its about playing some good tennis and interacting with the crowd.”
“I needed some time off (after Roland Garros), more mentally rather than physically because I played a lot of matches from the beginning of the season. Lost only two and had one of the best starts of the season in my career and of course I am very grateful for that. I am trying to cherish every moment spent on the court but there are days and times when you really need to take some time off. I regrouped, spent some time with my family and got thoughts off the tennis a little bit and I am back in my office and hopefully I will be able to perform well.”
Djokovic’s opponent, Richard Gasquet, enjoyed the unique atmosphere of The Boodles experience with the world No.1 on The Boodles stadium court:
“For us its very nice to play with Novak, he is the best player in the world, there is a lot of crowd there so it was a great experience for me. I am very happy when I am playing here, it is the best preparation for Wimbledon.”
“It is very funny and it is very nice because everybody likes tennis and people are enjoying it and that is the most important thing for me.”
Other matches on day three at The Boodles saw Robin Haase defeat Fabio Fognini 64 75, John Isner defeat Thanasi Kokkinakis 64 64 and Fernando Verdasco win the all-Spanish clash with Tommy Robredo 67(4) 62 11-9.
The Team GB Women’s Hockey Team, recently qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics, also enjoyed a day at The Boodles and were lucky enough to have a photo with Novak Djokovic and Richard Gasquet.
Tuesday’s results:
Robin Haase d. Fabio Fognini 64 75
Novak Djokovic d. Richard Gasquet 64 67(4) 10-8
John Isner d. Thanasi Kokinakkis 64 64
Fernando Verdasco d. Tommy Robredo 67(4) 62 11-9
Order of Play Friday 26 June 2015
12.30pm – Jack Sock v Tommy Robredo
2.30pm – Novak Djokovic v Alexander Zverev
followed by
Rafael Nadal v Robin Haase
not before 5pm
Mike/Bob Bryan v Alexander/Mischa Zverev
TENNIS TIDBITS :
The Boodles, now in its 14th year, takes place at Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire, from 23rd-27th June 2015, the week before the Championships begin at Wimbledon.
Year on year, The Boodles attracts the world’s best players as they finalise their grass-court preparations . Over the last 13 years the event has featured a who’s who of the tennis world including Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi and Tim Henman. With an intimate 1,900 seat stadium, where no seat is further than 10 metres from the court, The Boodles puts guests right at the heart of the action on court while entertaining them in a relaxed, garden party atmosphere.
Topics: Novak Djokovic, Richard Gasquet, stoke park, Tennis News, The Boodles 2015
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RT @10sBalls_com: -@TheBoodles 2015 – @DjokerNole MAKES A WINNING RETURN TO GRASS AT THE BOODLES – http://t.co/tWNPy3YRTj @NovakFanClub #Th…
RT @10sBalls_com: -@TheBoodles 2015 – @DjokerNole MAKES A WINNING RETURN TO GRASS AT THE BOODLES – http://t.co/tWNPy3YRTj @NovakFanClub #Th…