Novak Djokovic Enters Dubai As First Step In Winning Paris

Written by: Staff on 25th February 2013

Novak Djokovic Enters Dubai As First Step In Winning Paris

epa03564328 Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball to Olivier Rochus of Belgium during their Davis Cup World Group First Round match between Belgium and Serbia, in Charleroi, Belgium, 01 February 2013. EPA/JULIEN WARNAND |

Novak Djokovic enters the Dubai Open trying to keep a tight rein on his dream of fulfilling his Grand Slam destiny and completing his matched set of major with a Roland Garros title in June,

“I’m keeping my mindset as simple as possible,” said the Australian Open winner whose only activity on court since his third title in a row in Melbourne was one quick Davis Cup singles win. “I’m only looking ahead to my next match, that’s how I want to keep things.”

Djokovic is holding off the temptation to dream about a Paris title, with the French Open the only major that he has not won. And he doesn’t want to tempt fate, but might be able to imagine success with the form of longtime clay dominator Rafael Nadal a huge question mark as the Spaniard struggles to come back after seven months of knee injury absence.

“I’ve gotten better on clay, though it’s not my most successful surface,” said Djokovic. “But to do anything I’ll need to be physically fresh. Madrid and Rome Masters 1000s back-to-back are difficult and then comes the Grand Slam, where the atmosphere and tension are totally different. Things start to change as you approach a Grand Slam.”

Djokovic, who went on a tear in 2011 with a record win streak and titles in three of the four majors, was brought down to earth last season with only an Australian trophy to call his own. He believes that in some ways, 2013 is much easier to deal with than 2012. “Following up 2011 was going to be impossible and finishing 2012 on number one was a big success. After that, there is less pressure on me. I feel great and I’m ready for new challenges.”

©Daily Tennis News

Topics: Dubai tennis news, French Open, Novak Djokovic, Roland Garros, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News