Tennis : Novak Djokovic

Djokovic advances into the quarterfinals of Rogers Cup!




World number three Novak Djokovic beat Sweden’s Robin Soderling (49) in
two sets, 6:4 6:4 in 1 hour and 16 minutes, in the third round of the
Masters Series tournament in Toronto to book himself a place in the
quarterfinals.

Soderling played really well at the beginning of the match. Djokovic
faced break points in the second and in the fourth game, but managed to
hold his service. At 2:3 he won the game without losing a point, and
that was a good sign. He started playing much better, put much more
pressure on Soderling, and as a result, he broke his opponent’s service
in the seventh game for 4:3 lead. There was no break till the end of
the set, and Djokovic won it 6:4 in 39 minutes.

The crucial moment in the second set was in the ninth game when Novak
broke Soderling’s service for 5:4. He was confident serving for the
match, and won it 6:4.

His quarterfinal opponent will be Andy Murray (GBR, 8) who defeated Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI, 9) 2:1.

The two good friends played four matches and Novak leads 4:0.

The match is scheduled on Friday at 7.00 p.m. local time.

Murray ends run of Nole at Toronto Masters!




Number three in the world Novak Djokovic failed in the attempt to
defend his last year’s Rogers Cup title, losing to no. 8 seed Andy
Murray in two sets, 3:6, 6:7 (3-7) in 1 hour and 44 minutes.

The match didn’t start well for Djokovic. He failed to materialise one
break point in the opening game and then lost the next game. That break
was crucial for the result of the first set. Novak had a chance to come
back, but Murray held once again in the third game. Both players held
their services till the end of the set and Murray won it 6:3 in 34
minutes.

Too many unforced errors, problem with the first service characterised Novak’s game today.

Novak lost his service at the beginning of the second set, but broke
back immediately for 1:1. He held in the third game to take the lead
for the first time in the match, but it didn’t last for long. Djokovic
was broken again in the fifth game. Murray was very confident and he
soon increased his lead to 2:4. Novak again faced a break point in the
seventh game, but held for 3:4. That gave additional strength to
Djokovic who managed to break Murray’s service to equalise result. At
5:4, Novak had a break point and a great opportunity to win the second
set, but Murray held. The set was decided in tiebreak. Murray won it
7-3 for the first victory over Djokovic and a place in the semifinals.

Novak will lose 375 points, but he has a chance to do better already
next week at Masters Series tournament in Cincinnati, where he lost in
the second round last year.

What have happen to you novak

NooxPhe2 wrote:What have happen to you novak

why? did he lost?

Alan_Ariel wrote:

NooxPhe2 wrote:What have happen to you novak

why? did he lost?

yup, he lost to Andy Murray 3-6 , 6 -7

and he got 375 deduction points since he is the defending champs ..

hope i'll do much better in US Open.. and Olympic

oh, i see..

Cincinnati Masters draw is out!




After the tournament in Toronto, there is no time to rest for the best Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic.

Next week (July 28 – August 3) Novak will spend in Cincinnati, where
the seventh Masters Series tournament in 2008 will take place
(2.615.000 $).

Last year Novak lost in the second round to Carlos Moya.

Novak is the third seed, and he’s BYE in the first round. He’ll start
this year’s tournament in the second round against the winner of the
match between no.48 in the world, Simone Bolelli (ITA) and qualifier.

Novak’s potential rivals in the later stages of the tournament are:

3rd round: Fernando Gonzalez (CHI), Feliciano Lopez (ESP)
Quarterfinals: James Blake (USA,7), Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI), Nicolas Kiefer (GER)
Semifinals: Rafael Nadal (ESP,2), David Ferrer (ESP,5)

Defending champion Roger Federer (SUI,1) is in the other half of the
draw, as well as Nikolay Davydenko (RUS,4), Andy Roddick (USA,6) and
Andy Murray (GBR,8).

You can find more info at the tournament’s official site:
http://www.cincytennis.com/1/en/home/default.asp

Good luck Nole!

OMG! Twin, I'm starting to like NOVAK. Woooh!!!!

Djokovic through to round three of Cincinnati!




Number three in the world Novak Djokovic is in the third round of the
seventh Masters Series tournament in 2008, for the first time in his
career. The best Serbian tennis player beat Italian Simone Bolelli (50)
in two tight sets, 7:6 (7-2), 7:6 (7-2), in 1 hour and 54 minutes.

Djokovic faced eight break points in the first set, but saved them all.
He struggled on his service, especially in the third and seventh game.
The set was decided in tiebreak. Two mini-breaks were enough for Novak
to win it 7-2.

Nole broke his opponent’s service in the third game of the second set,
but Bolelli broke back immediately after Djokovic made four double
faults in the game. Each player won two games in a row, first Bolelli
for 2:4 lead, and then Djokovic to equalise to 4:4. The second set was
also decided in tiebreak. Novak was very confident again. This time, he
made three mini-breaks and won it 7-2.

Djokovic’s opponent in round three will be Andreas Seppi (ITA) who was better then Tomas Berdych (CZE) in three sets.

Nole has played Seppi three times and booked three wins.

Their match is scheduled for Thursday.

########

GO NOLE!

MOOrderer wrote:OMG! Twin, I'm starting to like NOVAK. Woooh!!!!

Woah,, nice.. welcome to Novak fans club!

MOOrderer wrote:OMG! Twin, I'm starting to like NOVAK. Woooh!!!!

YES! YES! THANK YOU!!!
Join the club man...haha.

The sportscaster said Nole was struggling...not in the best of forms huh. come on!

Djokovic storms into the quarterfinals!




Third seed Novak Djokovic reached the quarterfinals of Cincinnati
Masters tournament with a comfortable 6:1, 6:2 win over Italian Andreas
Seppi in just 59 minutes.

Novak was broken in the opening game of the match, but then he won six
consecutive games, breaking his opponents service three times, to win
the set 6:1.

Djokovic continued playing in the same rhythm in the second set,
dominating in every aspect of the game. He broke Seppi’s service twice,
in the first and third game and then held for 4:0 lead (winning 10th
game in a row). There was no break till the end of the set and Novak
won it 6:2, setting up a match with his friend and a former junior
training partner Ernest Gulbis (LAT,53), who defeated James Blake in
three sets earlier today.

They played against eachother at Roland Garros this year, Novak won in three tight sets.

The quarterfinal is scheduled on Friday.

YES YES YES!

NOVAK THROUGH TO THE SEMI's and will face against NADAL!

AGAIN AND AGAIN !

GO NOVAK!

Nole marches into Cincinnati semifinals!




Number three in the world Novak Djokovic advanced to Cincinnati Masters
semifinals, after a 6:3, 6:4 victory over Latvian Ernest Gulbis in 1
hour and 33 minutes. The best Serbian tennis player increased his
winning record over Gulbis to 2:0.

Djokovic faced three break points in the third game of the match, but
saved them all to take 2:1 lead. He broke Gulbis’s service in the next
game and then held to increase his lead to 4:1. The players won the
games on their services till the end of the set, and Novak won it 6:3.

The Latvian was broken in the seventh game of the second set. Djokovic
was confident till the end. He won the set 6:4 and booked himself a
place in the semifinals of Cincinnati for the first time in his career.

Novak won 78 per cent of points on first serve, hitting 16 winners and converting two of five break point opportunities.

He will next meet either Rafael Nadal (ESP, 2) or the surprise of the
tournament Nicolas Lapentti (ECU). The match is scheduled at 1 a.m.
CET, night between Saturday and Sunday.

Most probably, it will be the match between Nole and Rafa, the Spaniard has 9:3 lead.

Roger Federer will not defend his last year’s title. Ivo Karlovic of Croatia defeated him in the third round.

Good luck Nole!

Brilliant Djokovic ends Nadal’s run to breeze into his first Cincinnati finals!




Number three in the world Novak Djokovic advanced to Cincinnati Masters
finals after a fantastic 6:1, 7:5 win over second seed Rafael Nadal in
1 hour and 25 minutes.

It was a perfect beginning of the match for Nole. He started very
agressively with powerful acurate shot, great forehand… He was
returning Nadal’s service very well, constantly putting pressure.
Djokovic broke his opponent’s service twice, in the second and fourth
game, and then held for 5:0 lead. He closed the set 6:1 in 26 minutes.

Second set was much tighter. At 2:3, the Spaniard had a break point,
but Nole saved it with a brilliant forehand. Both players held their
services till the eleventh game when Novak took the initiative and
broke Rafa’s service for 6:5 lead. Djokovic was very confident serving
for the match, and won the second set 7:5 to set up a final with Andy
Murray (8) who defeated Croat Ivo Karlovic 6:4, 6:4.

Their H2H is 4:1 for Novak; Murray won their last match in Toronto last week...

The finals is scheduled on Sunday at 9 p.m. CET!

NOVAK NOVAK.
HOPE HE BEATS MURRAY WOOOO.

Nole runner-up in Cincinnati!



Photo: Nole after his victory againt Nadal yesterday

The Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic lost the finals of Masters
Series tournament in Cincinnati to Andy Murray (GBR, 8) in two tight
sets, 6:7(4), 6:7(5) in 2 hours and 22 minutes.

The 21-year old from Scotland clinched his first career AMS title.

Number three in the world faced break points in the fifth and seventh
game, but managed to save them both. At 5:4 and 6:5, Murray was under
pressure, but held and the set was decided in tiebreak. Murray won it
7-4 making three mini-breaks, one more than Novak.

Nole broke Andy’s service in the third game of the second set, but made
two double faults in the next game, making it easier for no.8 seed to
rebreak immediately for 2:2. At 3:4 Andy managed to break Novak’s
service once again to increase his lead. It looked as if the end of the
match is close. Murray was serving for the trophy in the next game, and
it was a nervy one. First it brought a break point to Djokovic, then
Murray had four match points. In the end Novak used his second break
point for 4:5. He was confident serving in the tenth game and equalised
to 5:5. The set was also decided in tiebreak. Djokovic looked
exhausted, he made more errors than Murray, and the Brit won it 7-5 to
take his first Masters Series trophy.

Nole will be awarded 350 points and 210.000 $.

Novak’s next challenge is Beijing. The Olympic Games tennis tournament
will be played from 10-17 August on the courts of the new Olympic
Tennis Centre.

Good luck Nole!
Good luck Serbia!

###

It's okay to be Runner-Up nole :)!

Nah its ok. It's a close match=]

Yup! I hope Nole will win the Olympic and US Open! :)

then if he meets murray again how. hahaha.

Nf-Heartbreaker wrote:then if he meets murray again how. hahaha.

He'll kick Murray ass!lol..

haha revenge.
hit him with a tennis racket haha.

Nf-Heartbreaker wrote:haha revenge.
hit him with a tennis racket haha.

\

LOL! funny

haha.
my father always says that.
'i can beat djokovic. with a tennis racket.'
lame lah, but, yah. haha.


hahaha...so funny.

N. DJOKOVIC/F. Dancevic



6‑4, 6‑4



An interview with:







THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.



Q. Just want to talk about your game. Frank said that you were on balance and ready for every ball, and he was really surprised, you surprised him with a lot of returns. Did you feel that, or were you surprised by a lot his returns in return?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I was trying to focus on my game, and this was a key fact, I think. One of the most important shots against Frank was return today. I was returning really well, and I was happy with that stroke.

I was very consistent throughout the match. I had little ups and downs with the serve. When I needed to serve it out at 5‑3 second set I didn't make any of the first serves, which was not good.

But then I managed to hold my concentration in the next game. He was serving extremely well. High percentage of the first serve, especially in the first set, which was making my job a bit tougher.

But I was aware that he doesn't have anything to lose obviously. A big Canadian hope playing in front of his crowd. Big support. There was a lot of people today. Really, really good atmosphere to play in.

Always the first matches are the most trickiest ones trying to keep the balance. I was happy with the way I was moving. Of course, there are still some things that I was not really happy about, but it's still only a first match.



Q. You mentioned the big Canadian crowd. Did you notice the number of Serbian flags, and did you hear the marriage proposal that you got?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I heard them bigtime. Really happy for that. I wanted to thank them, of course, for coming and supporting me. It's a big community here, Serbians. About 100,000 Sers in Toronto and in surroundings.

It's great to have so many people supporting you from your country. I think it makes you really happy and proud and excited to just play in front of them.

And not just them. I felt that the Canadian crowd really appreciate my victory last year and they are happy to see me again. It's my pleasure to play in front of this crowd.



Q. Did you accept the marriage proposal that you got?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Marriage proposal?



Q. A woman yelled out, Marry me Novak.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Really? How much money did she get? (Laughter)



Q. What did you think of Frank's game tonight?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I felt that he was serving well, as I mentioned before, but maybe he was a little bit too defensive in the baseline rallies. I took advantage of it. You know, I tried to be patient, you know, wait for my opportunities.

I knew that I'm going to get those throughout the match, but I wanted to be aggressive at the same time. Not to allow him to take advantage of the shots and just get to the net, because I know that in these moments he's the most dangerous. It's what he did in the first match I was watching against Ancic. He was returning well and playing very wisely.

Today he was maybe too defensive but he was serving very well.



Q. There's been so much talk over the past couple weeks about the Wimbledon men's final with Federer and Nadal. It was almost as though people stopped thinking about you for a little while ‑‑

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Really?



Q. ‑‑ despite the great year you had. Is this part of, I mean, tonight, in this tournament to sort of say there's three big players in the world right now, not just two?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, of course. I'm just happy to be a part of this group with the two best players in the world. Obviously they show their quality and they're improving year after year.

Even after four years of dominance of the two players they're still continuing to play fantastic tennis. I think they played maybe even the best match of the history in that Wimbledon final. I mean, they deserve that role: two best players of the world.

Me being right behind them and trying to be a big challenge for them, I think I did a great job in the first six months of the year. I was getting pretty closer and winning a Grand Slam and couple more major events.

I don't want put an extra pressure on myself. I'm just trying to focus on my way, on my career, and try to get the game as best as possible, as perfect as possible, improve on some things.

There are still some things and elements in the game that I need to improve on so I can be complete player.



Q. Roger Federer said just before the tournament that you were very strong on this surface, and he actually thought that the two of you were perhaps the best on hard courts and that Rafa was slightly behind the two of you. Does that fit with your assessment or not?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: You know, every surface is different. You have so many difference in today's surfaces. You have clay, grass, hard court. I mean, you just have to be complete so you can hold on with those two guys.

I mean, you have to be consistent with your results on every surface that you play. They're all‑round players. Rafa, you know, I don't think many people believe that he can win Wimbledon three years ago because of the style of his play. But he was playing in the last three years two final and he won Wimbledon, and he absolutely deserved it. He's improving day after day.

And Roger, of course, being No. 1 player of the world is still playing fantastic tennis. I feel very confident and very comfortable playing on this surface. It's my favorite one and the surface where I achieved my biggest results in my career, so I really look forward to this season.

But I don't know, I wouldn't like to rank myself as the best player on this surface or not. I'm still the third player of the world, so I think this is what counts.



Q. How much is winning here in and of itself very important, and how much is it just preparation for the US Open?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It's very important. US Open is the most important event on this surface for everybody. But to play well in Masters Series events is ‑‑ in Canada and Cincinnati is quite important, you know, so you can get a lot of the matches and get a good preparation for the Flushing Meadows.



Q. I don't know if you answered this, but are you going to the Olympics?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes.



Q. How important is that for you to win in Beijing?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Very, very important. Of course, every player has different opinion and different position on that. But for me, Olympics is one of the priority ‑‑ most priority events in my career.

I never participate in, for me, the biggest event in sports, so it's going to be a big honor and just pleasure. I'm very excited to meet the best professional athletes all around the world in a lot of different sports.

Just being around them in the Olympic village is great experience. Who knows what's going to happen in four years, so it's important for me being there.



Q. Would winning the Olympics be equal to a Wimbledon victory, or better?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I think yes. It has a big value for me.



Q. You're established in third position. It's a big up between next and Nadal. Do you plan to attack Nadal and Roger Federer and to get closer to them?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I'm not planning to attack them. I wouldn't call it like that. I'm just trying to attack the ball on the tennis court. That's what I'm trying to do: be aggressive and results will come.

I'm not really in a lot of tension and pressure that I need to reach the second or the first place in the world in this year or next year. I'm only 21. I have all the time in the world. Just need to be healthy and keep on playing well.

I've watched the video.. really really same.. LOL!..

but novak doesnt look like that Screech person...i think he looks like milo ventimiglia a bit.

LOL you're right NF.. :)

The Olympic tennis tournament draw is out!




The draw has been made for the Olympic tennis tournament in Beijing.

The Australian Open champion and world number three Novak Djokovic will
start his bid to win an Olympic medal against American Robby Ginepri
(59). This will be his Olympic debut.

Novak's possible opponents in the later rounds of the tournament are:

2nd round: Kei Nishikori (JPN,124)

3rd round: Mikhail Youzhny (RUS,13)

QF: David Nalbandian (ARG,7), Nicolas Almagro (ESP,11)

SF: Rafael Nadal (ESP,2), Andy Murray (GBR,6)

Roger Federer (SUI,1) is in the other half of the draw, as well as Davydenko, Blake, Gonzalez, Ferrer, Tipsarevic.

In the doubles tournament, Novak Djokovic and Nenad Zimonjic are second
seeds and will play against Martin Damm and Pavel Vizner (CZE) in the
first round.

Full Main Draw:

FEDERER Roger (1) SUI v TURSUNOV Dmitry RUS
LEE Hyung-Taik KOR v AREVALO Rafael (INV) ESA
ROBREDO Tommy ESP v SEPPI Andreas ITA
BERDYCH Tomas CZE v KARLOVIC Ivo (14) CRO
SIMON Gilles (10) FRA v SODERLING Robin SWE
NIEMEYER Frederic (A) CAN v CANAS Guillermo ARG
BELLUCCI Thomaz BRA v HRBATY Dominik SVK
GUCCIONE Chris AUS v BLAKE James (8) USA

DAVYDENKO Nikolay (4) RUS v GULBIS Ernests LAT
MATHIEU Paul-Henri FRA v LAPENTTI Nicolas ECU
LOGLO Komlavi (INV) TOG v ANDERSON Kevin (IP) RSA
MIRNYI Max (IP) BLR v KIEFER Nicolas (15) GER
GONZALEZ Fernando (12) CHI v SUN Peng (IP) CHN
CILIC Marin CRO v MONACO Juan ARG
ROCHUS Olivier BEL v MINAR Ivo CZE
TIPSAREVIC Janko SRB v FERRER David (5) ESP

NALBANDIAN David (7) ARG v ZENG Shaoxuan (A) CHN
MASSU Nicolas (IP) CHI v DARCIS Steve BEL
BOLELLI Simone ITA v HANESCU Victor ROU
MONFILS Gael FRA v ALMAGRO Nicolas (11) ESP
YOUZHNY Mikhail (13) RUS v VANEK Jiri CZE
NIEMINEN Jarkko FIN v JOHANSSON Thomas SWE
SCHUETTLER Rainer GER v NISHIKORI Kei (IP) JPN
GINEPRI Robby USA v DJOKOVIC Novak (3) SRB

MURRAY Andy (6) GBR v LU Yen-Hsun TPE
CALLERI Agustin ARG v LJUBICIC Ivan CRO
DANIEL Marcos BRA v MELZER Jurgen AUT
DANCEVIC Frank CAN v WAWRINKA Stanislas (9) SUI
STEPANEK Radek (16) CZE v LLODRA Michael FRA
QUERREY Sam USA v ANDREEV Igor RUS
HEWITT Lleyton AUS v BJORKMAN Jonas (IP) SWE
STARACE Potito ITA v NADAL Rafael (2) ESP

---

The 26th Olympic Games will be held from 8th till 24th August in
Beijing, China. After 112 years, when the first Olympic Games were held
in Athens (like 2004), Beijing will have honour to host the greatest
sports competition in the world, for the first time in their history.

Novak departured from Belgrade airport on Wednesday 6, at 2pm with
direct flight to Frankfurt, from where he will go to Beijing, where the
Olympic tennis tournament will be played from 10-17 August.

The tournament draw will be out on Thursday, August 7, in ‘Swissotel’
hotel. There will be 64 players in singles, and 64 players (32 pairs)
in doubles.

Nicolas Massu (CHI) is the title defender from 2004. He beat American Mardy Fish in the finals in Athens in five sets.

wahh Kei Nishikori in second round?

Djokovic goes snap happy in athlete's village




Novak Djokovic has been playing the part of the paparazzi in the Olympic Village, grabbing snaps of other athletes.

While Roger Federer was forced out of the athletes village last week
after being constantly hounded by fellow Olympians wanting their
picture taken with the world number one, the Serbian tennis player has
settled comfortably into village life.

"It's true, I see people like Kipketer, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Yao
Ming, all the top athletes in the world," he said, following his 6-4
6-4 first round win over American Robby Ginepri on Monday.

"So, yes, I do ask them for pictures because for me this is the memory which is going to stay in my life forever."

The world number three, Djokovic is no stranger to being in the front
of the lens and has watched his popularity soar along with his ranking.

The 21-year-old has already claimed three titles this season, including
his first Grand Slam in Australia, and is now targeting an Olympic gold.

"Of course, I do get approached from the other athletes to get asked
for the picture," said Djokovic. "You know, tennis is played 10 months
out of 12 in the year at least. So they see a lot of us on the TV,
obviously."

"I'm being surrounded with the best athletes around the world. It's a privilege," he said.

"That means you succeeded in your career, in your life, being in the Olympics, being part of the great show."

Nole safely into the second round of Olympic tournament in Beijing!




World number three Novak Djokovic made a good start in his Olympic
Games debut, beating American Robby Ginepri (59) in 2 sets, 6:4, 6:4 in
71 minutes.

High humidity makes the conditions so hard for players in Beijing, but Novak safely made it through to the second round.

He started very well, breaking his opponent’s service in the opening
game of the match, but Ginepri broke back immediately for 1:1. Djokovic
managed to break once again in the ninth game for 5:4 lead and then
closed the set 6:4.

Nole continued to play confident in the second set and broke Ginepri’s
service in the first and third game. He had no problems to hold for 4:0
lead. The American managed to break Djokovic when he was serving for
the match at 5:2, and then held for 5:4. Novak held after a nervy game,
serving second time for the match, and won the set 6:4.

His second round opponent on Tuesday at 11.00 CET (Court 1) will be
Rainer Schuettler (GER), no.34 in the world, who defeated Kei Nishikori
(JPN) in three sets.

Monday has been a good day for Serbs in Olympic tennis centre in
Beijing, as Janko Tipsarevic caused one of the biggest upsets beating
world no.4 David Ferrer (ESP) in two sets, 7:6 (8:6), 6:2.

Novak Djokovic and Nenad Zimonjic will play their doubles first round
match on Tuesday night against Martin Damm and Pavel Vizner (CZE).

Djokovic advances into the third round in Beijing, no second round in doubles!




The Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic is through to the third
round of the Olympic tennis tournament. He eliminated German Rainer
Schuettler (34) in two sets 6:4, 6:2.

The best Serbian tennis player broke his opponent’s service already in
the second game of the match, but Schuettler broke back immediately.
Nole threatened to break again in the fourth and eighth game, but the
German held. The crucial moment was in tenth game at 5:4, when
Schuettler was serving to stay in the set. Djokovic had two break/set
points, and used the second to take the set 6:4.

Nole kept being aggressive and playing really well. He broke
Schuettler’s service twice in the second set to win it 6:2 and secure
himself a place in the third round where he will play against Mikhail
Youzhny (RUS, no.13 seed).

‘Today I played enough to win. It was hard to make a break, because he
constantly got out of the tough situations, and I didn’t have the final
shot. I made it finally at 5:4 in the first set, broke his service, and
I think that was crucial for the rest of the match. It was more or less
routine after that’ - said Djokovic after the match.

The third player in the world said he was content he didn’t have problem with injury.

‘I don’t have injury problems, but some things are not 100 percent
good. But when you go on the court, there’s adrenaline and you don’t
feel that anymore’ - said Djokovic.

Mikhail Youzhny was better in two of three matches they played.

This match is scheduled for Wednesday at 10.00 CET (Court 2).

No.2 seeds Novak Djokovic and Nenad Zimonjic suffered a first round
loss to Damm and Vizner of Czech Republic, 6:3, 0:6, 2:6, in a match
that finished 1 hour and 15 minutes after midnight, early on Wednesday,
local time.

Serbian players broke their opponents’ service in the fourth game for
3:1 lead and then held to increase it to 4:1. There were no breaks till
the end of the first set and the Serbs won it 6:3.

The second set was in total control of the Czechs. They made three breaks for 6:0.

Damm and Vizner broke twice more in the third set to close it 6:2.

The late start obviously left trace on the Serbian team, and their hopes for one of the medals are gone.

Djokovic and Zimonjic joined Erlich and Ram as a first round casualty.

Nole marches into the quarterfinals!




The best Serbian tennis player and third seed Novak Djokovic beat
Russian Mikhail Youzhny in two sets, 7:6 (7:3), 6:3 to book himself a
place in the quarterfinals of the Olympic tennis tournament.

There was so much at stake in this match. Both players were very
confident on their services in the first set which was decided in tie
break.

Youzhny was first to make a mini break, but Djokovic stroke back with
two in a row for 4-3 lead. Nole then won both points on his service to
increase it to 6-3 and used the first of three set points making third
mini break to take it 7-3.

Novak put the pressure on Youzhny in the second set and managed to
break him twice, in the third and ninth game and won the set 6:3 using
the first of two match points.

Djokovic will next play against the winner of the match between David
Nalbandian (ARG, no.7 seed) and Gael Monfils (FRA) for the place in the
semifinals.

Nole battles through to the semifinals, continues his bid for a medal!




Third-seeded Novak Djokovic continued his run at the Olympic tennis
tournament in Beijing, with a fantastic win over Frenchman Gael Monfils
in three sets, 4:6, 6:1, 6:4 in a thriller match that lasted 2 hours
and 21 minutes, to keep his dream of winning a medal alive.

Novak was broken in the third game of the first set. He made many
unforced errors. Monfils was playing really well, and Nole couldn’t
threaten on his service. The Frenchman took the set 6:4.

The second set was much better. Djokovic raised the level of his game
and put the pressure on Monfils. He broke his opponent’s service twice,
in the fourth and sixth game to win the set 6:1.

Nole faced a break point in the second game of the third set, but saved
it with a service winner. He managed to break Monfils’s service in the
third game, but the Frenchman broke back immediately to equalise to
2:2. Djokovic stroke again in the fifth game to break once again for
3:2 and then held to increase his lead to 4:2. He had one break point
in the next game, but Monfils held. Serving for the match at 5:4, Novak
missed one match point, than faced two break points, but gave the last
atom of his strength to hold and win 6:4.

This was one of the greatest wins in Nole’s career, and one of the
toughest matches, no doubt. He will now have two chances to win a medal
for Serbia.

Semifinal match is scheduled on Friday. Djokovic will play against
Rafael Nadal (ESP, 2) who beat Jurgen Melzer in straight sets. Their
H2H is 9-4 for the Spaniard.

Good luck Nole!

Nole: I want the medal for Serbia!




Novak left the central court in tears, wiped them, and showed up in
front of the media representatives. He was sad. The best Serbian tennis
player will many more times see the smash he hit wide, the point he
gifted to Nadal.

"It's a horrible feeling when you lose like this. I think this has been
a good tournament for me, and tomorrow (Saturday) I have to finish it
in the right way for my country. I don’t know what to say about the
last point… it just happened. My legs stopped, the crowd was screaming,
it distracted me… I just hit it bad… end of story" - said Nole.

Novak points out he will have strength, both physical and mental, for the match against American James Blake.

"I want to win the medal for my country, more than anything in the
world. It will not be easy for me to put aside the thoughts about this
match, but I'll have to. I played tactically good against Nadal. I
wasn't good only in one half of the first set. Everything else was
really well, I was close to winning the match, but it didn't happen" -
added Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic has never played against James Blake in his career.

"I expect to win, I want that more than anything. I would like to make Serbia happy in this special way."

Djokovic that made a comment about the tennis tournament in Beijing.
"It has never happened before that I go to bed at 3 am, like here in
Beijing. I guess it had to be that way, but that was really a problem
for all the players."

Rafael Nadal couldn't hide his happiness after the match. "The dream
has come true, I’ve won a medal for my country. I didn't expect I'd be
playing in the finals, because my shoulder hurt when I came to Beijing,
and I didn't know if I would be ready. I'm here now, looking forward to
the finals."

This make it even worse

Nole is totally so so much better than Rafa yesterday

But the last hit from Nole is a big nightmare..

Nole also broke the fastest serve yesterday.. 250km/h..



Still sad nole lose though

aww.. its okay, phe.. maybe this year is not nole's year.. just like federer..

Federer going down already Alan..

He can't compete already.. He defeated to unseeded player for many times already this year.. I think it's the end of his success..

I'm so hurt that Nole didn't make it to the Final.. He's dominating the match .. but the last shot he make a mistake.. It's just too painful.. Can't believe it.. You see.. It's an Olympic game.. need wait for 4 years to see Nole win a Gold Medal in Olympic.. I wish..

Sob, so sad...

Nole wins Olympic bronze for Serbia!




Australian Open champion and the best Serbian tennis player Novak
Djokovic won the Olympic bronze medal in Beijing, beating no.8 seed
James Blake in two sets 6:3, 7:6 (7-4) in 76 minutes.

After one of the toughest loses in his career yesterday, Novak was so determined to win the bronze medal for his country.

He started agressively, winning first seven points in the match. Blake
saved them and equalised to 1:1. Djokovic managed to break Blake’s
service in the fourth game for 3:1 and then held to increase his lead
to 4:1. There were no breaks till the end of the set, and Nole won it
6:3 in 25 minutes.

Novak had a break point in the opening game of the second set, but
Blake saved it. Then the American had a chance to break Nole’s service
but the Serb held. The set was decided in tie break. One mini break was
enough for Djokovic to take it 7-4 and win the bronze Olympic medal.

Nole will be awarded 205 ATP points.

The gold medal match between Rafael Nadal (ESP) and Fernando Gonzalez (CHI) is on Sunday.

Congratulations Nole!

Nole: Hello Serbia, here’s one more medal for you!



Photo: AP

What a day this August 16, 2008. First Milorad Cavic, then Novak
Djokovic. He celebrated Serbia’s second medal, the first in his life,
in the Olympic Village.

Right after he had won the bronze medal match vs Blake, he ran to
Serbian fans and sportsmen who were cheering him throughout the whole
match. They were already outside the venue at that moment.

‘Hello Serbia, here’s one more medal for you’ - he greeted them, and got huge applause and kisses.

Djokovic admitted that Cavic’s medal was great motivation for him. “He
kept his medal right next to the chicken during our lunch today… it had
to be great motivation. I was looking at it, and thinking about my
match. Many thanks to Cavic for bringing joy to me. My medal is bronze,
but I think it’s golden like his silver also’ - said Novak.

Olympic Games are very special for Nole.

‘This is a shock for body, but we gave our best to go as further as
possible. I’m really happy I’ve brought joy to Serbia in the most
direct way. I haven’t been sleeping a lot in the last couple of days,
but that’s all behind now. I will remember everything that happened to
me here, every moment, as long as I live’ - said Djokovic.

He hasn’t taken his phone yet, but he already has missed phone calls from his brother, father and uncle.

“I know Serbia was with me all the way, and I hope I’ve made everyone happy’ - said Novak.

Was it hard for you to forget yesterday’s defeat by Nadal?

‘I was thinking about it till the moment I saw Blake across the net. At
that moment I forgot everything and only wanted to win’ - said the
Serbian bronze medal winner.

he has bronze now....:)nadal for gold!:)

Yup! Vamos Rafa

Successful start for Novak at US Open!




Australian Open champion and third seed Novak Djokovic is safely
through to the second round of the last Grand Slam in 2008, with a
comfortable win over Frenchman Arnaud Clement (78) in three sets, 6:3,
6:3, 6:4 in 2 hours.

One break was enough for Novak to win the first set 6:3.

The best Serbian tennis player continued to play well in the second set
and managed to break Clement’s service twice, in the seventh and ninth
game to take it 6:3.

The decisive break in the third set was in the last, tenth game, for the final score 6:4.

This was Novak’s 50th win of the season.

Djokovic’s second round opponent will be American Robert Kendrick
(113th in the ATP rankings). They met only once, back in 2007, Nole was
the winner.

The match will be played on Friday.

Djokovic advances into the third round of US Open!




Number three in the world and last year’s runner-up Novak Djokovic
booked himself a place in the third round with a 3 sets win over
American Robert Kendrick, 7:6 (10-8), 6:4, 6:4, in 2 hours and 13
minutes.

Great fight for every point was seen in the first set. Fans could enjoy
in both players’ perfomance, great rallies, attractive points… Nole
faced a break point in the fifth game, but managed to save it. The
players held their services till the end of the set and it was decided
in tie break.

After 2-2 with mini-break on each side, Nole managed to win four points
in a row with two more mini-breaks, for 6-2 lead and four set points.
Kendrick didn’t give up and fought back, first to equalise to 6-6, and
with fourth mini-break to take a 7-6 lead and earn himself a set point.
Djokovic saved that one, and one more at 8-7 for the American. Third
seed won three points in a row to take it 10-8 in 53 minutes.

Nole broke his opponent’s service in the fifth game of the second set
for the first time in the match. Kendrick had chance to come back, but
failed to convert three break points in the sixth and eighth game.
Djokovic won the set 6:4.

The 21-year-old from Belgrade continued to play well in the third set
and made a break in the opening game. He was confident till the end,
especially serving for the match at 5:4, and closed it, using the first
of three match points, for 6:4.

Djokovic’s third round opponent will be no.30 seed Marin Cilic from Croatia. Nole won their only match in Dubai this year.

congratulations nole..

Nole is through to the fourth round of the US Open!




The Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic came back from a set down
to beat Croatian teenager Marin Cilic (30) in a 4 sets thriller match,
6:7 (7-9), 7:5, 6:4, 7:6 (7-0) in 3 hours and 52 minutes on Arthur Ashe
stadium.

There was not a single chance for break in the first set. It was full
of great rallies, attractive points, both players were confident on
their services and the set was decided in tiebreak. There was a
mini-break on each side when at 5-6 Cilic had a set point. Djokovic
saved it with a fantastic service and then he had a chance to close the
set. The Croat won two points on his service to earn himself a second
set point and then made a mini-break to win it 9-7.

Nole broke Cilic’s service in the opening game of the second set and
kept the advantage until 5:4 when he was serving for the set. The
19-year-old Croat managed to break him and equalise to 5:5, but Novak
broke back immediately and then closed the set 7:5.

Third set was very similar. Djokovic again made an early break. Cilic
broke him in the fourth game for 2:2, but Nole broke back for 3:2 lead.
Both players held til the end of the set and Djokovic won it 6:4.

Novak had a 5:3 lead in the fourth set. He was serving for the match at
5:4, had two match points, but Cilic fought back and used the second
break point in the tenth game to equalise to 5:5. The set was decided
in tiebreak and Nole won it in style 7-0, to book himself a place in
the fourth round.

He will next play against no.15 seed Spaniard Tommy Robredo who beat
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets. They met four times, Djokovic
leads 3-1.

congrats again, nole.. and best of luck..