WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN
August 21, 2011
Novak Djokovic
CINCINNATI, OHIO
A. MURRAY/N. Djokovic
6-4, 3-0 (ret.)
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. If the rain had come 60 seconds earlier, would it have impacted your decision?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't think so. I mean, I don't think anything could change in that short period of time. Just, yeah, it's unfortunate that I had to finish this way. I apologize to the tournament; I apologize to the people who came here today to watch the match.
I really tried. Didn't make sense for me to continue.
Q. Is there such a thing as a good loss heading into the Open?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: There is no good loss, that's for sure. But the good thing is that there is a week, eight days to the start of the US Open. So I think that's enough time for me to get ready.
Q. Do you expect this to affect you at all going into the US Open?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I believe not.
Q. Was it a lot worse today than it had been?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes.
Q. Could you describe what was going on with you physically? Was it just the shoulder or...
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, well, the major issue was shoulder. Generally I was quite exhausted playing many matches, but the exhaustion is not the reason.
The reason is shoulder pain. I just could not serve. I served an average 90 miles per hour the first serve, and I could not play forehands.
You know, I could have maybe played another couple of games, but what for? I cannot beat a player like Murray today with one stroke.
Q. So the pain in the shoulder would more affect the serving and not so much the rallies? You had one 40-shot rally or something.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, well, you know, as I said, I had the most problem with the shoulder during my serve and forehand. Running forehand mostly, or when I'm on the stretch. When I hit it from the spot it's okay, but not on the stretch.
So, yeah, I'm not finding any excuses. Of course I'm not saying if I was 100% that I would certainly win because Andy is a great player, but I am sure that we will have a better match.
Q. How long has it been troubling you? Has it got gradually worse day by day?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It has been there for about ten days. Yeah, it was increasing, the pain was increasing, but we were trying to maintain the good condition.
Today was just too much.
Q. Have you had an MRI or anything?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No, I didn't have because I didn't have time. I was playing every day.
Q. Apart from your shoulder, talk about the exhaustion you mentioned before, the general fatigue level.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I mean, it's kind of expected. I've played so many matches this year. I mean, I've been winning, you know, a lot and reaching the final stages of each event that I've participated on. You know, considering the schedule that is very busy in tennis, it's kind of normal to expect that at some stage you are exhausted.
But as I said, you know, I am confident that I can recover and be ready for US Open.
Q. Is it too busy, the schedule? Back-to-back Master's events coming into the US Open, I mean, you're not the only player that's got problems at the moment.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, well, you know, we can discuss about this for the whole day. I mean, we do have some things that we are trying to change in the schedule. There has been certain changes from next year. We'll have two weeks shorter the year.
But still, the intensity is going to be the same, if not tougher. But, look, it's the same for everybody. We just have to I guess get used to it and adjust.
Q. Have you had to adjust your life in the regard of being world No. 1? How has that constrained you? Has it added pressure? Added fatigue? Increased pressures on your schedule?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I think I have a pretty good team of people around me that are doing their job really well to make me feel, you know, focused and professional and concentrated and relaxed on the court as much as they can.
Because it's important. There is a lot of requests and demands and of course attention with the new position that I have. But I think I'm doing a quite good job. I'm still doing the same things I have done even before I became No. 1, so it's going to say stay that way.
Q. Despite today's loss, it's still a great day for Serbian tennis with Jelena also in the finals. Talk about how you've seen tennis grow in Serbia.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it grows rapidly. The results we had the last couple years are incredible. You always think you know how far it can go, and every year it's better.
I'm proud of all the tennis players who are coming from our country, and I'm happy to see them doing well. Hopefully we can bring at least one title to Serbia today.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
Showing posts with label Cincinnati. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cincinnati. Show all posts
Novak Djokovic - SF Press Transcript
N. DJOKOVIC/T. Berdych
7-5 (ret.)
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. Talk about your matchup with Andy tomorrow. You guys played the final here a couple years ago and he beat you there.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Uh-huh.
Q. What do you have to do really well?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I mean, the finals is quite early tomorrow, so I guess physically we need to get good recovery today to get fit for tomorrow.
Then, you know, who gets the better start of the match I think has a slight advantage.
Q. How surprised were you by Berdych?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I wasn't because I knew. We know what's going on. I knew before. We have a similar issue there but he has more serious, so it's unfortunate. You know, I hope he recovers well for US Open.
But, look, usually these things happen due to the tough schedule and every day playing under tough conditions.
Q. He seemed to be playing pretty well. Was his serve not as strong as usual or was it close today?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I mean, he served okay first four, five service games, and then you could see that his arm is getting tired, I guess.
Q. How do you feel physically right now?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, to be honest, not 100% definitely, but I'm getting out there and trying to give my best to win every match I play on. I know that I've felt better last week.
But, look, I'm in another final. It's a great achievement. Tomorrow I'll try to get another title.
Q. What's the problem specifically?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Um, just you know, exhaustion. A little bit ever everything.
Q. Maria was asked yesterday about your Head promo where you imitated her. She said it's on like Donkey Kong. How did you choose it imitate Maria of all people for that?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Because we have the same racquet company that represents us, so we kind of have done it there. I didn't know what was the whole concept, but we improvised in the end.
Q. No script?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: You know what, we'll take this to another level. We'll see. She has been answering on my imitations, so we'll see in New York. We'll get some more.
Q. You've been playing a lot of tennis in the last couple weeks. Having a short match like this can only help you tomorrow, right? Gives you more time to rest?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, sure. Considering the amount of the matches that I've played the whole year and especially last couple weeks, everything I've been through, it's great to have a short match today, short set, and get ready for tomorrow.
Q. For you, what's the most gratifying thing about this season that you've had to this point? Is it the level of consistency? Is it any of the slams?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Just, you know, the will to win, motivation that keeps me going every day. I mean, that's something that really is really positive in my year so far.
To be honest, I didn't know what to expect after the run that I had up to Wimbledon and after Wimbledon. Even before that, you know, everybody was talking when this streak will end and things like that, which is, you know, kind of expected when you're winning that much.
But I wasn't paying attention on that. I was trying to stay committed. That's something that really makes me happy. It's very encouraging for me to be able to have this mental toughness I guess to overcome all these things and still perform well.
Q. Halfway to a career Grand Slam. Is that an important factor for you, something to accomplish on your to-do list?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, look, I would love to. I think I have the game to play equally well on all surfaces, so this is definitely positive for the future, you know, Grand Slams to come.
Q. You've got a lot coming up obviously with the Open, but obviously a lot at stake with Davis Cup. Are you planning to play that the rest of the year?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes. The way things stand right now, yes. It's a semifinal and back home against Argentina. It's a big, big tie, you know.
Even though we won last year, but you still look for some more. You want to win more and more. It's a different feeling when you're playing for your country. You know, it's just that team spirit that keeps you going.
It's different from any other competition really. I enjoy it. I enjoy it very much just being around with the team, and then of course representing your country.
Q. Do you enjoy playing Andy?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: (Smiling.) I don't enjoy playing anybody. No, I'm kidding. I have a great rivalry with him as well. He has been struggling first couple months after Australian Open with his game, but now I think he's back. He had a couple semifinals of a Grand Slam.
This is a surface that he plays well on, I think. We played here finals, two tough sets, and he has won that. So he knows what it takes to win a big match, a big tournament. So there is no favorite tomorrow.
Q. On your black shirt you have a Serbian flag and a heart that sort of looks like a Eurovision logo.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Uh-huh.
Q. Is that something intentional? You talk about representing your country, after your tennis career would be over, would that be something that you would want to participate in?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Sure, I got offers for Eurovision and I'll consider that. Maybe I'll perform next couple years.
No, I didn't know that this heart looks like Eurovision heart, to be honest. It's just a heart with a Serbian flag. Maybe it looks like that, but there was no intention of kind of having the same one.
Q. After you won at Wimbledon, there were a bunch of Serbian supporters who were chanting and waving the flag. It almost felt like a World Cup celebration.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Uh-huh.
Q. What was that like for you to see that and realize you were winning that for yourself but to see the impact that it had on other people?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: You know, it's individual sport, and I understand that it's me on the court and I win for myself in some ways, but I don't think that I win only for myself. Wherever I show up, next to my name there is Serbian flag. So that means that I represent my country, and I have to take that responsibility. Whenever I win, it's a win for Serbia.
So it's great to see that there is Serbian supporters coming and supporting in big numbers wherever we go. Now I think it's more than ever really for tennis players.
This is great to see, I mean, people coming in national colors and flags and being proud and appreciative of what you do. So to be able to share the success of course is great with them.
Q. After the Open you mentioned Davis Cup. Are you going to back off a little bit on your schedule the latter part of the year because you've played so much this year and next year you'll have so many points to defend?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Let's keep the focus on this year. I don't want to think about next one. I will see. You know, I do have my schedule set already up to the end of the year, so I'm supposed to play Davis Cup after the Open, and then I'm going to Asia.
Let's see how things go. Now I want to prioritize US Open, of course, where I want to do really well. Try to win the title tomorrow and then go slowly.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
7-5 (ret.)
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. Talk about your matchup with Andy tomorrow. You guys played the final here a couple years ago and he beat you there.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Uh-huh.
Q. What do you have to do really well?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I mean, the finals is quite early tomorrow, so I guess physically we need to get good recovery today to get fit for tomorrow.
Then, you know, who gets the better start of the match I think has a slight advantage.
Q. How surprised were you by Berdych?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I wasn't because I knew. We know what's going on. I knew before. We have a similar issue there but he has more serious, so it's unfortunate. You know, I hope he recovers well for US Open.
But, look, usually these things happen due to the tough schedule and every day playing under tough conditions.
Q. He seemed to be playing pretty well. Was his serve not as strong as usual or was it close today?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I mean, he served okay first four, five service games, and then you could see that his arm is getting tired, I guess.
Q. How do you feel physically right now?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, to be honest, not 100% definitely, but I'm getting out there and trying to give my best to win every match I play on. I know that I've felt better last week.
But, look, I'm in another final. It's a great achievement. Tomorrow I'll try to get another title.
Q. What's the problem specifically?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Um, just you know, exhaustion. A little bit ever everything.
Q. Maria was asked yesterday about your Head promo where you imitated her. She said it's on like Donkey Kong. How did you choose it imitate Maria of all people for that?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Because we have the same racquet company that represents us, so we kind of have done it there. I didn't know what was the whole concept, but we improvised in the end.
Q. No script?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: You know what, we'll take this to another level. We'll see. She has been answering on my imitations, so we'll see in New York. We'll get some more.
Q. You've been playing a lot of tennis in the last couple weeks. Having a short match like this can only help you tomorrow, right? Gives you more time to rest?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, sure. Considering the amount of the matches that I've played the whole year and especially last couple weeks, everything I've been through, it's great to have a short match today, short set, and get ready for tomorrow.
Q. For you, what's the most gratifying thing about this season that you've had to this point? Is it the level of consistency? Is it any of the slams?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Just, you know, the will to win, motivation that keeps me going every day. I mean, that's something that really is really positive in my year so far.
To be honest, I didn't know what to expect after the run that I had up to Wimbledon and after Wimbledon. Even before that, you know, everybody was talking when this streak will end and things like that, which is, you know, kind of expected when you're winning that much.
But I wasn't paying attention on that. I was trying to stay committed. That's something that really makes me happy. It's very encouraging for me to be able to have this mental toughness I guess to overcome all these things and still perform well.
Q. Halfway to a career Grand Slam. Is that an important factor for you, something to accomplish on your to-do list?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, look, I would love to. I think I have the game to play equally well on all surfaces, so this is definitely positive for the future, you know, Grand Slams to come.
Q. You've got a lot coming up obviously with the Open, but obviously a lot at stake with Davis Cup. Are you planning to play that the rest of the year?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes. The way things stand right now, yes. It's a semifinal and back home against Argentina. It's a big, big tie, you know.
Even though we won last year, but you still look for some more. You want to win more and more. It's a different feeling when you're playing for your country. You know, it's just that team spirit that keeps you going.
It's different from any other competition really. I enjoy it. I enjoy it very much just being around with the team, and then of course representing your country.
Q. Do you enjoy playing Andy?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: (Smiling.) I don't enjoy playing anybody. No, I'm kidding. I have a great rivalry with him as well. He has been struggling first couple months after Australian Open with his game, but now I think he's back. He had a couple semifinals of a Grand Slam.
This is a surface that he plays well on, I think. We played here finals, two tough sets, and he has won that. So he knows what it takes to win a big match, a big tournament. So there is no favorite tomorrow.
Q. On your black shirt you have a Serbian flag and a heart that sort of looks like a Eurovision logo.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Uh-huh.
Q. Is that something intentional? You talk about representing your country, after your tennis career would be over, would that be something that you would want to participate in?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Sure, I got offers for Eurovision and I'll consider that. Maybe I'll perform next couple years.
No, I didn't know that this heart looks like Eurovision heart, to be honest. It's just a heart with a Serbian flag. Maybe it looks like that, but there was no intention of kind of having the same one.
Q. After you won at Wimbledon, there were a bunch of Serbian supporters who were chanting and waving the flag. It almost felt like a World Cup celebration.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Uh-huh.
Q. What was that like for you to see that and realize you were winning that for yourself but to see the impact that it had on other people?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: You know, it's individual sport, and I understand that it's me on the court and I win for myself in some ways, but I don't think that I win only for myself. Wherever I show up, next to my name there is Serbian flag. So that means that I represent my country, and I have to take that responsibility. Whenever I win, it's a win for Serbia.
So it's great to see that there is Serbian supporters coming and supporting in big numbers wherever we go. Now I think it's more than ever really for tennis players.
This is great to see, I mean, people coming in national colors and flags and being proud and appreciative of what you do. So to be able to share the success of course is great with them.
Q. After the Open you mentioned Davis Cup. Are you going to back off a little bit on your schedule the latter part of the year because you've played so much this year and next year you'll have so many points to defend?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Let's keep the focus on this year. I don't want to think about next one. I will see. You know, I do have my schedule set already up to the end of the year, so I'm supposed to play Davis Cup after the Open, and then I'm going to Asia.
Let's see how things go. Now I want to prioritize US Open, of course, where I want to do really well. Try to win the title tomorrow and then go slowly.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
A short post match interview from Novak. In the light of day it was the correct decision to make.
Courtesy: ATPWorldTour
Courtesy: ATPWorldTour
Novak Djokovic - QF Press Transcript
WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN
August 19, 2011
Novak Djokovic
CINCINNATI, OHIO
N. DJOKOVIC/G. Monfils
3-6, 6-4, 6-3
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. Did you feel that he started out with a lot more confidence obviously winning the first set and then dropped off as the match went on? Did you raise your level? What happened?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I think a little bit of both. I think I managed to get into his serve, and as you said, he started after serving and volleying extremely well. I never seen him volley that good. He's not a typical serve and volley player. So it was surprising to see him do that. But it worked for him.
As the match went on, you know, I started playing better on the return games and held my serve quite good.
Q. Roger and Rafa both lost today an center court. After the first set, did it ever cross your mind that you could be No. 3 in the top three going out today?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No.
Q. Your break point percentage was a little less than usual for you, especially this year. Was he doing anything different on those points? Was he serving...
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Serving well, and, you know, I had my chances first set; didn't use them. I didn't step in when I needed to in the first set. You know, he's the kind of player that doesn't give you that much chances.
But second set, in the middle of the second set, started playing better. Stepped in when I needed to. It was a very physical match in the end. He struggled I think more physically. But I hung in there, and in the end it was a good win.
Q. You were gesturing a lot on court, especially in the second and third sets. Was that tactic to get more crowd support and fire you up, too?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Look, it was a match that had a lot of tension, and it's kind of normal to have emotions shown on the court from my side. You know, the crowd was there. Crowd was in the big numbers until the end of the match, so it was nice to see that.
Q. Talk about the way you've been managing matches. You seem to be doing that very well this year.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, well, you know, the confidence that I have this year helps me a lot, so I believe that I can win any match I play on. This is, I think, something that wins matches for me, you know, that right mindset.
Q. Being the No. 1 player in the world, you've got a huge target on your back obviously. What do you have to change? Like if this was a best-of-five sets and you lost the first two sets or something, being able to come back, how do you adjust to that? You're going to get everybody's best shot.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I'm not changing anything. I'm winning most of the matches I'm playing. Why should I change anything? I just need to keep working hard.
And I know that the players will have nothing to lose against me in the matches, especially coming to US Open.
Look, this is the position that I always wanted to have, to be No. 1 of the world. I'm doing I think quite well of, you know, accepting the challenge that I have as No. 1 of the world.
I'm always trying to take the positives out of it, you know. I don't want to be worrying if the player will play his best and I won't be able to, you know, hold on with the pressure and everything.
No, really, every time I step on the court it's the same thing, even before I become No. 1.
Q. Midway through the third set, Gaël started talking quite loudly to himself. It almost looked like he was in a trance. I know you're locked in and whatnot, but did you notice that?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I did notice. Look, it's his own thing that he's doing on the court, encouraging himself.
I tried to hold my concentration, and I did well.
Q. You have a really good record against Berdych, 6-1. What's the key for to you continue the roll you're on?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Against Berdych? I guess I hope I will be fresh tomorrow on the court. That's something I wish to have, just freshness.
And it's a very fast court where he plays really well this tournament. He won today against Federer quite comfortably. He was hitting the ball extremely well.
He will be aggressive, I'm sure, but, you know, it's another big match. It's a semifinals.
Q. When you beat Roger at the Australian Open this year, he was asked, Is it kind of a change in generations of tennis? What's your opinion now? Do you think your time has come now, your generation?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I don't think that Roger's time has past. I think he's still out there fighting, he's still playing great tennis, and I'm sure he is motivated now to come back to the No. 1 of the world, even though he's losing more matches than he usually does.
And you have Rafa still out there playing finals of all the tournaments. We played so many finals this year. Then it's Murray and Fish who's doing really well.
So I think next to Roger and Rafa and myself, there are more players coming up and being confident on the court. You know, we didn't get to see that maybe in the last couple of years.
Now players believe they can win against top players.
Q. You're 56 and 1 this year, I think. Do you have a sense of how special and unique that is?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It is great, but I don't have the right I guess perception of the things that are going on with the run that I have, because I don't try think about it too much.
I try to really keep the simple focus that I always have in my routine. I leave the stats it somebody else. (Smiling.)
Q. This was the most entertaining match today by far. Even though it was such a big fight for you, were you able to enjoy it as well? Was there some fun in the match?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, sure. I mean, the victory is even bigger when you win a match like this. You know, you just feel proud of yourself, of the effort that you put into if you win an almost three-hour match.
It's great. Of course you would like to do your job as quick as possible. Still, sometimes it's very nice to be a part of great matches like this.
Q. You mentioned Gaël's come to the net a lot was bothering you a little bit. Mardy Fish took you to three sets coming also to the net a lot. Is this still one of the few things that's still bothering you tactically from your opponents?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I wouldn't necessarily say it's bothering me, but there are players who are trying to mix up the game. It's working for them for a while until I find a way to read their tactics.
I think I was doing great in finding the way to win tonight, and against Mardy, even though both matches were quite close.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
August 19, 2011
Novak Djokovic
CINCINNATI, OHIO
N. DJOKOVIC/G. Monfils
3-6, 6-4, 6-3
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. Did you feel that he started out with a lot more confidence obviously winning the first set and then dropped off as the match went on? Did you raise your level? What happened?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I think a little bit of both. I think I managed to get into his serve, and as you said, he started after serving and volleying extremely well. I never seen him volley that good. He's not a typical serve and volley player. So it was surprising to see him do that. But it worked for him.
As the match went on, you know, I started playing better on the return games and held my serve quite good.
Q. Roger and Rafa both lost today an center court. After the first set, did it ever cross your mind that you could be No. 3 in the top three going out today?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No.
Q. Your break point percentage was a little less than usual for you, especially this year. Was he doing anything different on those points? Was he serving...
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Serving well, and, you know, I had my chances first set; didn't use them. I didn't step in when I needed to in the first set. You know, he's the kind of player that doesn't give you that much chances.
But second set, in the middle of the second set, started playing better. Stepped in when I needed to. It was a very physical match in the end. He struggled I think more physically. But I hung in there, and in the end it was a good win.
Q. You were gesturing a lot on court, especially in the second and third sets. Was that tactic to get more crowd support and fire you up, too?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Look, it was a match that had a lot of tension, and it's kind of normal to have emotions shown on the court from my side. You know, the crowd was there. Crowd was in the big numbers until the end of the match, so it was nice to see that.
Q. Talk about the way you've been managing matches. You seem to be doing that very well this year.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, well, you know, the confidence that I have this year helps me a lot, so I believe that I can win any match I play on. This is, I think, something that wins matches for me, you know, that right mindset.
Q. Being the No. 1 player in the world, you've got a huge target on your back obviously. What do you have to change? Like if this was a best-of-five sets and you lost the first two sets or something, being able to come back, how do you adjust to that? You're going to get everybody's best shot.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I'm not changing anything. I'm winning most of the matches I'm playing. Why should I change anything? I just need to keep working hard.
And I know that the players will have nothing to lose against me in the matches, especially coming to US Open.
Look, this is the position that I always wanted to have, to be No. 1 of the world. I'm doing I think quite well of, you know, accepting the challenge that I have as No. 1 of the world.
I'm always trying to take the positives out of it, you know. I don't want to be worrying if the player will play his best and I won't be able to, you know, hold on with the pressure and everything.
No, really, every time I step on the court it's the same thing, even before I become No. 1.
Q. Midway through the third set, Gaël started talking quite loudly to himself. It almost looked like he was in a trance. I know you're locked in and whatnot, but did you notice that?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I did notice. Look, it's his own thing that he's doing on the court, encouraging himself.
I tried to hold my concentration, and I did well.
Q. You have a really good record against Berdych, 6-1. What's the key for to you continue the roll you're on?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Against Berdych? I guess I hope I will be fresh tomorrow on the court. That's something I wish to have, just freshness.
And it's a very fast court where he plays really well this tournament. He won today against Federer quite comfortably. He was hitting the ball extremely well.
He will be aggressive, I'm sure, but, you know, it's another big match. It's a semifinals.
Q. When you beat Roger at the Australian Open this year, he was asked, Is it kind of a change in generations of tennis? What's your opinion now? Do you think your time has come now, your generation?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I don't think that Roger's time has past. I think he's still out there fighting, he's still playing great tennis, and I'm sure he is motivated now to come back to the No. 1 of the world, even though he's losing more matches than he usually does.
And you have Rafa still out there playing finals of all the tournaments. We played so many finals this year. Then it's Murray and Fish who's doing really well.
So I think next to Roger and Rafa and myself, there are more players coming up and being confident on the court. You know, we didn't get to see that maybe in the last couple of years.
Now players believe they can win against top players.
Q. You're 56 and 1 this year, I think. Do you have a sense of how special and unique that is?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It is great, but I don't have the right I guess perception of the things that are going on with the run that I have, because I don't try think about it too much.
I try to really keep the simple focus that I always have in my routine. I leave the stats it somebody else. (Smiling.)
Q. This was the most entertaining match today by far. Even though it was such a big fight for you, were you able to enjoy it as well? Was there some fun in the match?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, sure. I mean, the victory is even bigger when you win a match like this. You know, you just feel proud of yourself, of the effort that you put into if you win an almost three-hour match.
It's great. Of course you would like to do your job as quick as possible. Still, sometimes it's very nice to be a part of great matches like this.
Q. You mentioned Gaël's come to the net a lot was bothering you a little bit. Mardy Fish took you to three sets coming also to the net a lot. Is this still one of the few things that's still bothering you tactically from your opponents?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I wouldn't necessarily say it's bothering me, but there are players who are trying to mix up the game. It's working for them for a while until I find a way to read their tactics.
I think I was doing great in finding the way to win tonight, and against Mardy, even though both matches were quite close.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
Novak Djokovic - Going For Super 6 Masters Title
MASON, Ohio (Reuters) - World number one Novak Djokovic looks to make it an unprecedented six out of six in Masters series titles when he takes on Britain's Andy Murray in the final of the Cincinnati Open on Sunday but both players say their bodies are feeling the strain.
Djokovic, who has a 57-1 record this season, has already claimed nine tournaments in what has been a remarkable year of dominance in the sport and he is the clear favorite for the U.S. Open, starting in New York on August 29.
The Serb booked his place in the final with a victory over the Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych, when his opponent had to retire with a shoulder injury having lost the first set to Djokovic 7-5.
Despite only spending 52 minutes on court, Djokovic, who has some shoulder problems of his own, said that he was not in peak condition ahead of the final.
"To be honest, I am definitely not 100 percent but I'm getting out there and trying to give my best to win every match I play on. I know that I felt better last week.
"But I'm in another final. It's a great achievement. Tomorrow (Sunday) I'll try to get another title.
"I hope it's not going to be too hot and let's hope for another good match. We have a good rivalry, same age, same generation and it's nice to play him in a final again."
Murray beat American Mardy Fish in his semi-final on Saturday but said he was hampered by fitness problems
"I was struggling physically. That's frustrating for me, because that's something I haven't struggled with for quite a long time," said the Scot.
The pair met in the final of the Australian Open in January with Djokovic winning in straight sets and the Serb came out on top again in the Rome semi-finals four months later.
But Djokovic also recalled that Murray beat him here in the 2008 final - one of seven Masters triumphs for Murray.
"This is a surface that he plays well on, I think," said Djokovic.
"We played here in the final and had two tough sets and he won that. So he knows what it takes to win a big match, a big tournament. There is no favorite."
Murray, who has yet to win a grand slam, is under no illusions though about the size of the task facing him.
"I'll need to play well to get it tomorrow, but it's the perfect test to see exactly where my game is before the U.S. Open because he's the number one in the world just now," he said.
Courtesy: Reuters
Djokovic, who has a 57-1 record this season, has already claimed nine tournaments in what has been a remarkable year of dominance in the sport and he is the clear favorite for the U.S. Open, starting in New York on August 29.
The Serb booked his place in the final with a victory over the Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych, when his opponent had to retire with a shoulder injury having lost the first set to Djokovic 7-5.
Despite only spending 52 minutes on court, Djokovic, who has some shoulder problems of his own, said that he was not in peak condition ahead of the final.
"To be honest, I am definitely not 100 percent but I'm getting out there and trying to give my best to win every match I play on. I know that I felt better last week.
"But I'm in another final. It's a great achievement. Tomorrow (Sunday) I'll try to get another title.
"I hope it's not going to be too hot and let's hope for another good match. We have a good rivalry, same age, same generation and it's nice to play him in a final again."
Murray beat American Mardy Fish in his semi-final on Saturday but said he was hampered by fitness problems
"I was struggling physically. That's frustrating for me, because that's something I haven't struggled with for quite a long time," said the Scot.
The pair met in the final of the Australian Open in January with Djokovic winning in straight sets and the Serb came out on top again in the Rome semi-finals four months later.
But Djokovic also recalled that Murray beat him here in the 2008 final - one of seven Masters triumphs for Murray.
"This is a surface that he plays well on, I think," said Djokovic.
"We played here in the final and had two tough sets and he won that. So he knows what it takes to win a big match, a big tournament. There is no favorite."
Murray, who has yet to win a grand slam, is under no illusions though about the size of the task facing him.
"I'll need to play well to get it tomorrow, but it's the perfect test to see exactly where my game is before the U.S. Open because he's the number one in the world just now," he said.
Courtesy: Reuters
Novak Djokovic - Into The Semi Final
Final game
Courtesy: TennisHighlightsHD
Press Conference
Courtesy: CincyProTennis
Match Reports
MASON, Ohio -- Gael Monfils did to world No. 1 Novak Djokovic what no man had done since the French Open - win an opening set against him - but it wasn't enough to derail the Serbian's bid for the Western & Southern Open semifinals....Full Story here
Courtesy: TennisHighlightsHD
Press Conference
Courtesy: CincyProTennis
Match Reports
MASON, Ohio -- Gael Monfils did to world No. 1 Novak Djokovic what no man had done since the French Open - win an opening set against him - but it wasn't enough to derail the Serbian's bid for the Western & Southern Open semifinals....Full Story here
Not Tennis Anymore, It’s Officially Battle of Minds - Djokovic, Nadal and Federer- Part 1
This Article was first published on 10sballs.com as :
www.10sballs.com/2011/08/19/not-tennis-anymore-it’s-officially-battle-of-minds-djokovic-nadal-and-federer-part-1/
In continuation of my previous article on Rogers Cup history and its effect on US Open results, I thought I will take it forward to Cincy. A tournament where we have already seen World No.2 Rafael Nadal lost to Mardy Fish and Federer to Berdych. Traditionally, Cincy had been a stronghold of Roger Federer. He had won it 4 times in last 6 years. Andy Murray won it once in 2008. On the other hand Djokovic has reached to the finals two times and Nadal's best performance till date -Semi Finals.
Last year Roger Federer won it but US Open Champion Nadal crashed out in QF. In last 6 years, Roger Federer is the only player to go on to win Cincy and US Open back to back. And if we expand it to 20 years, only 20% of the times a player has gone to win Cincy and US Open together (4 out of 20).!
Statistics wise, not much to worry for any fans except for those whose favorite goes on to win Cincy!
Cincinnatti | Djokovic | Nadal | Federer | Murray | US Open Winner |
2005 | NA | First Round | Winner | Second Round | Federer |
2006 | NA | QF | Second Round | QF | Federer |
2007 | Second Round | Second Round | Winner | First Round | Federer |
2008 | Finalist | SF | Third round | Winner | Federer |
2009 | Finalist | SF | Winner | SF | Juan Martin Del Potro |
2010 | QF | QF | Winner | QF | Rafael Nadal |
What we do need to worry is as follows:
Nowadays tennis is not anymore about game or stats- Is it? The way tennis has evolved, every player has become fit, more complete and more competitive. If you look at the top 3, each one of them has got best tennis skills, breathtaking shots and defense that will send their opponents flying off the back door! For them, it is not a game anymore, it’s now battle of minds just like chess where they have to come up with a strategy that will outclass others and leave them baffled! It is now a matter of self-confidence and belief!
Let us go back to Wimbledon 2008 when Federer lost in the epic final against Nadal. And since then Nadal seems to have a complete grip over Federer. That win created a mental block for Federer which he has not been able to overcome as that win came on one of Federer's favorite surface- Grass Court and ended his streak of dominance in Wimbledon!
Present Match Record: 17-8 now in favor of Nadal!
Fast forward to 2011, Djokovic’s unexpected but monstrous strides toward the top have left everyone stunned! And the more he plays, the more people fall in love with his game and skills! Even if you are a Federer fan or a Nadal fan, you can't hate this person because neutrally speaking; he is a hope and a living example of achieving the impossible! In words of Nelson Mandela- Everything seems impossible until it’s done!
And that’s what his achievement had been until he achieved it! He has lost to Fedal 30 times in last 4 years and his record now- 5-0 up this year against Nadal and 3-1 against Federer! He has claimed No.1 spot from them and has won 2 Grand Slams, created history by winning 5 Masters and has 55-1 record this year!
He has created that same mental block in Nadal's mind- a territory familiar to Nadal and Federer. This whole saga seems so mysterious that people wonder as to how it will look going forward. Frankly as fan of Nadal or Federer, one would think will they be able to come back, and fans of Djokovic will think- Can he continue his dominance?
Believe it or not, if you look from where I am, it will look very simple and in the next week, I will break it into very simple reasoning as to how all 3 can still turn the tables if they want? Why and How...Come back for Part II when I will take Nadal first (then Federer & finally Djokovic) and will break it down for you step by step. And you will know the answer!
And before you go- Let me tell you that you will not be disappointed- even if you are a fan of Nadal/Federer or Djokovic! I can bet upon that!
I will be back with Part II of Not Tennis Anymore, It’s Officially Battle of Minds - Djokovic, Nadal and Federer on Tuesday.
Stay tuned!(For updates, you can follow our Facebook Page, Twitter Account or Join Our Site!)
I will be back with Part II of Not Tennis Anymore, It’s Officially Battle of Minds - Djokovic, Nadal and Federer on Tuesday.
Stay tuned!(For updates, you can follow our Facebook Page, Twitter Account or Join Our Site!)
If you have any questions- You can mail me at apekshaha@gmail.com
Follow ApekshaHA on Twitter for Latest Updates: http://twitter.com/#!/ApekshaHANovak Djokovic - 3rd Rd Press Conference Transcript
WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN
August 18, 2011
Novak Djokovic
CINCINNATI, OHIO
N. DJOKOVIC/R. Stepanek
6-3, 6-3
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. You really engaged the crowd near the end there, and they gave you a warm reception. If you do that, I think that would suit your game going forward, especially in New York?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, it's been very slow kind of ugly match to play and to watch, so I think we needed to engage the crowd a little bit towards the end.
Q. Now that you're further into the week, is anything different?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I'm in another quarterfinal. (Laughter.)
Q. You were broken a couple times quickly yesterday, and again a few more times today. It's part of the game, but it seems like it's happening a little bit more than recently.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, it's happening more often, which is not great. Look, if I can compensate the good performance, compensate the bad serve with the good strokes, with the baseline play, it's important.
I will try to focus on positives that I have this tournament, and that is return, good forehand from the baseline, and just keeping the ball in play and playing as much as I need to to win.
Q. When your serve is not working, you're saying you focus more on returning better than fixing your serve?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, you know, there are periods of the match where I serve okay, and then periods where I serve very bad. But that's okay. It all happens.
I played so many matches, and they caught up to me a little bit. It's expected that some part of my game is not working 100%, you know.
But, you know, I believe that tomorrow the serve will be better. It's important to have the right mindset and positive attitude. I don't think that my rhythm is bad, it's just that, okay, a little bit my toss and I'm out of balance on my serve and I'm forcing it a little bit too much.
Maybe I should go a little bit for percentage rather than speed.
Q. When you play every day and go from one tournament to another, do you get days like today where it's a bit of a grind and you're a bit tired?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, there are days like this where you don't feel like playing. But I hate losing, so I need to win. That's what makes me motivated on the court.
Q. You went through a period earlier where you got up to a point where there was only Nadal, maybe Federer in front of you, and they were the main challenges you had to beat. Can you talk about how you approached that to focus on beating them, taking that next step? And how did it affect you?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I didn't focus on them. I focused on myself and improving my game and getting mentally stronger and believing in my qualities and ability and just maturing as a person of the court as well, knowing how to deal with pressure, expectations, and things that are part of our sport.
I think that's something that worked well for me in the past 12 months. I mean, results are showing that.
Q. Speaking of Nadal, he had a three and a half hour, three-straight tiebreak match today. Does that give you any kind of insight to what it might be like if you play him here or at the US Open if you meet up in the final again?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It's still very early to talk about it. He had a great match today, but I need to focus on my next opponent. That's my only concern.
Q. Did you have any problems with a turnaround from last night to this afternoon?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No. I think the weather today was quite okay. It was not that hot, and we played actually at the nice time of the day.
Q. As the world's top player, would you have any advice to offer to kids that might want to be tennis players or just an athlete in general?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, sport is a very healthy way of living. Sport can offer a lot of good things to the kids. You know, sport can teach you how to be determined, be professional in the life, and know how to appreciate things.
You know, even though tennis is individual sport, you still get to travel a lot and be with people, meet different cultures, different countries.
So I would definitely suggest tennis to kids.
Q. What is your usual preparation next week, the week before the US Open. Will you be in New York?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I will be in New York. I will be taking some time off after this tournament and then preparing.
Q. Are there additional demands on your schedule since you've had this extra level of success?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Depends. In terms of...
Q. More demands from tournaments to show up?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, there is a lot of requests, but, you know, it's important to organize your schedule the way that it doesn't hurt your tennis, doesn't hurt your preparation.
My priority is to get ready for the US Open, prepare well, practice. And whenever I have some free time, I will be, you know, open for some other demands.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
August 18, 2011
Novak Djokovic
CINCINNATI, OHIO
N. DJOKOVIC/R. Stepanek
6-3, 6-3
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. You really engaged the crowd near the end there, and they gave you a warm reception. If you do that, I think that would suit your game going forward, especially in New York?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, it's been very slow kind of ugly match to play and to watch, so I think we needed to engage the crowd a little bit towards the end.
Q. Now that you're further into the week, is anything different?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I'm in another quarterfinal. (Laughter.)
Q. You were broken a couple times quickly yesterday, and again a few more times today. It's part of the game, but it seems like it's happening a little bit more than recently.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, it's happening more often, which is not great. Look, if I can compensate the good performance, compensate the bad serve with the good strokes, with the baseline play, it's important.
I will try to focus on positives that I have this tournament, and that is return, good forehand from the baseline, and just keeping the ball in play and playing as much as I need to to win.
Q. When your serve is not working, you're saying you focus more on returning better than fixing your serve?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, you know, there are periods of the match where I serve okay, and then periods where I serve very bad. But that's okay. It all happens.
I played so many matches, and they caught up to me a little bit. It's expected that some part of my game is not working 100%, you know.
But, you know, I believe that tomorrow the serve will be better. It's important to have the right mindset and positive attitude. I don't think that my rhythm is bad, it's just that, okay, a little bit my toss and I'm out of balance on my serve and I'm forcing it a little bit too much.
Maybe I should go a little bit for percentage rather than speed.
Q. When you play every day and go from one tournament to another, do you get days like today where it's a bit of a grind and you're a bit tired?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, there are days like this where you don't feel like playing. But I hate losing, so I need to win. That's what makes me motivated on the court.
Q. You went through a period earlier where you got up to a point where there was only Nadal, maybe Federer in front of you, and they were the main challenges you had to beat. Can you talk about how you approached that to focus on beating them, taking that next step? And how did it affect you?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I didn't focus on them. I focused on myself and improving my game and getting mentally stronger and believing in my qualities and ability and just maturing as a person of the court as well, knowing how to deal with pressure, expectations, and things that are part of our sport.
I think that's something that worked well for me in the past 12 months. I mean, results are showing that.
Q. Speaking of Nadal, he had a three and a half hour, three-straight tiebreak match today. Does that give you any kind of insight to what it might be like if you play him here or at the US Open if you meet up in the final again?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It's still very early to talk about it. He had a great match today, but I need to focus on my next opponent. That's my only concern.
Q. Did you have any problems with a turnaround from last night to this afternoon?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No. I think the weather today was quite okay. It was not that hot, and we played actually at the nice time of the day.
Q. As the world's top player, would you have any advice to offer to kids that might want to be tennis players or just an athlete in general?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, sport is a very healthy way of living. Sport can offer a lot of good things to the kids. You know, sport can teach you how to be determined, be professional in the life, and know how to appreciate things.
You know, even though tennis is individual sport, you still get to travel a lot and be with people, meet different cultures, different countries.
So I would definitely suggest tennis to kids.
Q. What is your usual preparation next week, the week before the US Open. Will you be in New York?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I will be in New York. I will be taking some time off after this tournament and then preparing.
Q. Are there additional demands on your schedule since you've had this extra level of success?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Depends. In terms of...
Q. More demands from tournaments to show up?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, there is a lot of requests, but, you know, it's important to organize your schedule the way that it doesn't hurt your tennis, doesn't hurt your preparation.
My priority is to get ready for the US Open, prepare well, practice. And whenever I have some free time, I will be, you know, open for some other demands.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
Novak Djokovic - Round 3 Press Conference Transcript
N. DJOKOVIC/R. Harrison
6-2, 6-3
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. Kind of an odd way to start the match with so many breaks of serve.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah.
Q. Did that affect the way that you played?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it was a slow start, not a good start. But, yeah, I was serving not so great today. I think everything else was quite good.
You know, from the baseline I wasn't making a lot of unforced errors. I was returning a lot of balls in and played quite good really for the opening match.
But I knew it's an opening match. It's totally different conditions from Montréal, so you got to get used to that.
Q. Could you compare the conditions from last week to this week, the speed of the courts?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Faster. Much faster here. Ball flies through the air faster, so it's really hard to control.
Q. Do you prefer this week to last week?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I prefer last week. (Smiling.)
Q. When other players who have been around longer and are more established talk about Ryan Harrison coming up, what do they say about him - including yourself?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Look, Ryan has a lot of potential in his game, I think. He knows when to use the opportunity to come to the net, he mixes up his serve, his serve is quite good. Today he didn't have quite a high first serve percentage, so it didn't help him that much.
But if he gets that serve 60%, 70% in, he can be really dangerous to anybody. I think he's a great fighter. He's committed to the game, which is really important.
Q. When you see his anger that he shows so often during matches, do you think that hurts his development?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Look, I don't think there is anything bad with that. Over the time, he's going to learn how to use his experience on the court. He will learn how to control his emotions. It's all a process.
His emotions are showing me that he wants to win and he's out there to win, not just play his best tennis. That's something that I like about him.
Q. What's your opinion of back-to-back Masters 1000s? Would you like to see them spread out?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: The way the schedule is, I don't think that's possible. There has to be some radical changes in the schedule if we want that. I don't see that happening.
But, yeah, I don't think it's very good for the players to play all the time on the top level every single day in two weeks just before the Grand Slam.
But that's the way it goes. It's not the first year we have that. You know, you have to just adjust to it.
Q. What were you not happy with in your game tonight?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I just said. It was the serve. Everything else was okay.
Q. I have a follow-up to a question you answered yesterday about the players' box at the Open final last year or the Wimbledon final this year. When you looked up in the box, were there any faces you did not recognize, that you did not necessarily know who the people were?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, look, you know, I really don't want to get into that. I don't want to get into the details. I said yesterday, and I'm going to repeat again: I had too many people, and it was somehow expected because all those people, the ones that were close to me and the friends of my family, they wanted to be there because it's my first Wimbledon finals and US Open.
But, you know, now it's going to be a bit different.
Q. Another player told me he finds it disconcerting when he looks up and sees someone who hasn't necessarily been on the journey with him; is that how you feel?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Depends. I cannot answer in the name of other players. You know, I don't really pay too much attention on who's in my box rather than my team. When I look in my box, I look to my coach, to the closest ones on the team. I think most of the players do.
So regardless who's there, I need to do my job on the court and to win.
Q. Do you feel that your game is where it needs to be before the US Open? Rafa's is the defending champion, but you beat him several times this year, and on hardcourts. Do you think you're ready to go in there and try and get back to the final and win it this time?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, I think so.
Q. You've had such an incredible year and you've set all these records and have a very good win/loss record. On the other hand, Serena Williams who is considered the US Open favorite on the women's side at this point pulled out of this tournament to get herself in better shape to play the US Open. With that in mind, is it important for you to keep this one loss through this week and to win this tournament, or is it more about getting ready for New York?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: You know, performing the best tennis is the priority in New York. But still, I will not, you know, play matches on this tournament just to get some practice. I don't do that. I go to every match to win.
So since I came here, I will give my best to every match to win. So we'll see how far I can go. I am not predicting anything.
But, you know, in the past years I did play couple of finals here and then I got to the late stages of the US Open, so it's not something that I think can affect my performance on the US Open physically as well.
There is still a week, which is more than enough for me to rest and get ready.
Q. When you were in L.A. recently, did you have a chance to hit with Sampras or anything like that? I know he was a player you looked up to.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, unfortunately not. He got hurt on golf, but we had a nice dinner in L.A. and it was a very a valuable experience for me.
Q. Did he give you any advice on how to handle No. 1?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes.
Q. What did he say?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: We spoke about many things, and of course I was interested how he was feeling when everything got together for him, when he won his first couple Grand Slams, when he became No. 1.
It was great. He was always the person that I was looking up to. He was always the tennis player that was my idol. So to be able to sit down with him and have the opportunity to get advice from him, hopefully I can use that experience.
Q. Do you want to play him in an exhibition?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Would love to. Would love to just hit with him. I'm always open for that.
Q. Who picked up the check at dinner? (Laughter.)
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It was Pete. He was the host.
Q. When you go to New York, you're going to see these giant buss billboards with your picture on it advertising the US Open. What's it like to be the face of tennis now?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It's flattering and it's great. You know, I guess that's something that follows up with the success and with the position that I have at this moment as No. 1.
I know that there is a certain increase in the responsibility of me carrying myself on and off the court. I'm trying to do it as best as I can.
It's all fresh, it's all new, but it's a challenge. I'm ready to accept that.
Q. Jelena was saying the other day about getting a diplomatic passport and being a goodwill ambassador. Have you got something similar to that?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah.
Q. Over the years, have you felt that the success that Serbian tennis players have had, the girls as well, has that changed, do you think, the world's perception of Serbia and the image of the country? Is that something you've been happy to see or been conscious of?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, as far as I know, in the world of sport, I think we have done a good job in changing the image positively. We were doing our best. You know, it's not an easy task to do, but tennis players and other athletes in Serbia are, I think, the biggest ambassadors of our country at this moment.
The country is aware of that, and giving us diplomatic passports was one of appreciation moves I think they have. We are honored to have these passports. It makes our traveling a bit easier, and of course we do carry this responsibility everywhere we go to represent or country in the best possible way.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
6-2, 6-3
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. Kind of an odd way to start the match with so many breaks of serve.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah.
Q. Did that affect the way that you played?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it was a slow start, not a good start. But, yeah, I was serving not so great today. I think everything else was quite good.
You know, from the baseline I wasn't making a lot of unforced errors. I was returning a lot of balls in and played quite good really for the opening match.
But I knew it's an opening match. It's totally different conditions from Montréal, so you got to get used to that.
Q. Could you compare the conditions from last week to this week, the speed of the courts?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Faster. Much faster here. Ball flies through the air faster, so it's really hard to control.
Q. Do you prefer this week to last week?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I prefer last week. (Smiling.)
Q. When other players who have been around longer and are more established talk about Ryan Harrison coming up, what do they say about him - including yourself?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Look, Ryan has a lot of potential in his game, I think. He knows when to use the opportunity to come to the net, he mixes up his serve, his serve is quite good. Today he didn't have quite a high first serve percentage, so it didn't help him that much.
But if he gets that serve 60%, 70% in, he can be really dangerous to anybody. I think he's a great fighter. He's committed to the game, which is really important.
Q. When you see his anger that he shows so often during matches, do you think that hurts his development?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Look, I don't think there is anything bad with that. Over the time, he's going to learn how to use his experience on the court. He will learn how to control his emotions. It's all a process.
His emotions are showing me that he wants to win and he's out there to win, not just play his best tennis. That's something that I like about him.
Q. What's your opinion of back-to-back Masters 1000s? Would you like to see them spread out?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: The way the schedule is, I don't think that's possible. There has to be some radical changes in the schedule if we want that. I don't see that happening.
But, yeah, I don't think it's very good for the players to play all the time on the top level every single day in two weeks just before the Grand Slam.
But that's the way it goes. It's not the first year we have that. You know, you have to just adjust to it.
Q. What were you not happy with in your game tonight?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I just said. It was the serve. Everything else was okay.
Q. I have a follow-up to a question you answered yesterday about the players' box at the Open final last year or the Wimbledon final this year. When you looked up in the box, were there any faces you did not recognize, that you did not necessarily know who the people were?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, look, you know, I really don't want to get into that. I don't want to get into the details. I said yesterday, and I'm going to repeat again: I had too many people, and it was somehow expected because all those people, the ones that were close to me and the friends of my family, they wanted to be there because it's my first Wimbledon finals and US Open.
But, you know, now it's going to be a bit different.
Q. Another player told me he finds it disconcerting when he looks up and sees someone who hasn't necessarily been on the journey with him; is that how you feel?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Depends. I cannot answer in the name of other players. You know, I don't really pay too much attention on who's in my box rather than my team. When I look in my box, I look to my coach, to the closest ones on the team. I think most of the players do.
So regardless who's there, I need to do my job on the court and to win.
Q. Do you feel that your game is where it needs to be before the US Open? Rafa's is the defending champion, but you beat him several times this year, and on hardcourts. Do you think you're ready to go in there and try and get back to the final and win it this time?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, I think so.
Q. You've had such an incredible year and you've set all these records and have a very good win/loss record. On the other hand, Serena Williams who is considered the US Open favorite on the women's side at this point pulled out of this tournament to get herself in better shape to play the US Open. With that in mind, is it important for you to keep this one loss through this week and to win this tournament, or is it more about getting ready for New York?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: You know, performing the best tennis is the priority in New York. But still, I will not, you know, play matches on this tournament just to get some practice. I don't do that. I go to every match to win.
So since I came here, I will give my best to every match to win. So we'll see how far I can go. I am not predicting anything.
But, you know, in the past years I did play couple of finals here and then I got to the late stages of the US Open, so it's not something that I think can affect my performance on the US Open physically as well.
There is still a week, which is more than enough for me to rest and get ready.
Q. When you were in L.A. recently, did you have a chance to hit with Sampras or anything like that? I know he was a player you looked up to.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, unfortunately not. He got hurt on golf, but we had a nice dinner in L.A. and it was a very a valuable experience for me.
Q. Did he give you any advice on how to handle No. 1?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes.
Q. What did he say?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: We spoke about many things, and of course I was interested how he was feeling when everything got together for him, when he won his first couple Grand Slams, when he became No. 1.
It was great. He was always the person that I was looking up to. He was always the tennis player that was my idol. So to be able to sit down with him and have the opportunity to get advice from him, hopefully I can use that experience.
Q. Do you want to play him in an exhibition?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Would love to. Would love to just hit with him. I'm always open for that.
Q. Who picked up the check at dinner? (Laughter.)
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It was Pete. He was the host.
Q. When you go to New York, you're going to see these giant buss billboards with your picture on it advertising the US Open. What's it like to be the face of tennis now?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It's flattering and it's great. You know, I guess that's something that follows up with the success and with the position that I have at this moment as No. 1.
I know that there is a certain increase in the responsibility of me carrying myself on and off the court. I'm trying to do it as best as I can.
It's all fresh, it's all new, but it's a challenge. I'm ready to accept that.
Q. Jelena was saying the other day about getting a diplomatic passport and being a goodwill ambassador. Have you got something similar to that?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah.
Q. Over the years, have you felt that the success that Serbian tennis players have had, the girls as well, has that changed, do you think, the world's perception of Serbia and the image of the country? Is that something you've been happy to see or been conscious of?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, as far as I know, in the world of sport, I think we have done a good job in changing the image positively. We were doing our best. You know, it's not an easy task to do, but tennis players and other athletes in Serbia are, I think, the biggest ambassadors of our country at this moment.
The country is aware of that, and giving us diplomatic passports was one of appreciation moves I think they have. We are honored to have these passports. It makes our traveling a bit easier, and of course we do carry this responsibility everywhere we go to represent or country in the best possible way.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
Novak Djokovic - Marching on in Cincinnati
I seem to be having trouble finding any match reports from Novak's match against Ryan Harrison :(
I have been able to find a few photos and I have added them to my Twitpic account
I have been able to find a few photos and I have added them to my Twitpic account
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