Novak Djokovic: ‘THE BEST I CAN PLAY ON CLAY’

Written by: Staff on 21st April 2013

Novak Djokovic: 'THE BEST I CAN PLAY ON CLAY' |

(original story: http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/04/16/Monte-Carlo-Final-Djokovic-Reaction.aspx)

Novak Djokovic has tasted victory on numerous occasions, but few may be as sweet as his win on Sunday at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.

What started as a week of anxiety ended as a tournament of reassurance for the World No. 1. Overcoming an injured ankle, Djokovic improved match by match, and by the time he arrived at the final hurdle, the Serb delivered his best tennis of the week to dethrone eight-time reigning champion Rafael Nadal 6-2, 7-6(1).

“I think anybody who saw my expression in the end saw that it was a very emotional win for the reasons [of] living here and what I’ve been through in the last two weeks. It’s a very joyful moment for me,” said Djokovic. “I wanted that trophy badly all my life, especially in the last six, seven years that I’ve been spending my time and living here between the tournaments in Monaco. This is a great confidence boost before the rest of the clay-court season.”

In assessing his performance against the renowned ‘King Of Clay’, Djokovic pointed to the first set, stating that he could not have executed a better game plan.

“I knew after yesterday’s match that I had a feeling that I had a big chance to win against Rafa if I was on the top of my game,” Djokovic said. “The first six, seven games, eight games, were unbelievable. It’s the best that I can play on clay. It’s the only way you can win against Rafa.

“It was very important for me because knowing that Rafa starts very strong from the first point. I had the right intensity on the court, the right kind of focus. The first five games was a perfect, perfect play.”

Djokovic has won 26 of the 28 matches he’s played this season and will look to add another title missing from his trophy case: Roland Garros. The 25 year old reached the final for the first time last year, but lost to Nadal in a clash spanning two days.

“Of course, I want to win Roland Garros. That’s no secret,” said Djokovic. “But I need to keep on having the right positive mindset for the next tournaments that are also very important. I’m just trying to stay healthy.

“I’m right in the place where I want to be in this moment confidence wise and game wise. I just need to do what I have always done: stay committed, rest well, prepare well, and then I have the next two weeks for those things [to get] ready for next challenge.”

Topics: Clay tennis, Monte Carlo Masters, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Tennis News