Tennis : Novak Djokovic

US Open - Round 4: Djokovic vs Robredo




Today, around 7pm CET (1pm local time), Novak will have chance to win
the fourth consecutive match at US Open, and reach the quarterfinals.

Last year, the Serbian tennis player was runner-up, this year the goal
is even higher, to go a step further. That achievement would not only
bring him second Grand Slam title, but also no.2 rankings in the world,
for the first time in his career.

To reach that, he has to go step by step. Novak has played really well
so far. In Round 4 he’ll meet Spaniard Tommy Robredo, former world
no.5, currently 15th player in the ATP rankings. Robredo previously
beat Misha Zverev, Marat Safin and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

This will be the fifth match between the Serbian and Spanish tennis
player. Novak leads 3-1. They last played in the semifinals of Estoril
in 2007. Novak was the winner. Robredo won only once, back in 2005 in
round 3 of Masters tournament in Paris.

All four matches were played on different surfaces. Nole was better on
clay, hard court and grass, while Robredo won on taraflex.

This year, Novak is much more successful, he won three titles
(Australian Open, Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Rome),
reached two finals, five semifinals and one quarterfinal. His W-L
record is 49-12. On the other hand, Robredo won only Bastaad in 2008,
he was finalist in Warsaw, semifinalist in Valencia, and
quarterfinalist in Rome and Barcelona. His best results have been on
clay, the favourite surface of Spanish players. His W-L record this
year is 28-17.

"I can expect big fight from his side, and he knows that he's confident
and he's going to go. He's going to go for the victory, that's for
sure.

The good thing about Grand Slams, you have a day off. You can recover.
I have good team of people around me, and I'm sure I'm going to be
recovered enough for the upcoming match.

I just need to play my game, you know, be aggressive like I always
played against Robredo, won a couple times, and I lost, as well. It's
going to be interesting. We haven't played for a long time."

This is the seventh US Open for the 26-year-old Spaniard, while Nole is playing for the third time in New York.

Novak is the favourite, today we’ll see if he’s going to match the expectations.

Good luck Nole!

Nole battles past Robredo to reach the US Open quarterfinals!




The best Serbian tennis player and number three in the world Novak
Djokovic advanced into the quarterfinals of the last Grand Slam in
2008, with a hard fought win over 15th seed Spaniard Tommy Robredo in
five sets, 4:6, 6:2, 6:3, 5:7, 6:3 in 3 hours and 44 minutes.

Djokovic first had a chance to break his opponent’s service in the
sixth game of the first set, but Robredo held for 3:3. At 4:4 Novak
lost the game on his service, and then the Spaniard successfully closed
the set 6:4.

Novak looked fresher at the beginning of the second set. He was in
total control and managed to break Robredo’s service twice for 6:2.

The 21-year-old continued in the same rhythm, playing really well, with
a good service, powerful shots, great moving… He made a break in the
fourth game for 3:1 lead and then held for 4:1. There were no breaks
til the end and Nole won the set 6:3.

It looked like the match was not going to last much longer when
Djokovic broke Robredo’s service again in the opening game of the
fourth set and was in control til 3:1. Nole then lost his momentum, the
Spaniard raised the level of his game and won three games in a row.
Novak looked tired, but gave his best to stay on the right course. He
had four chances for break in the ninth and eleventh games, but Robredo
held and used his chance. He put the pressure on the Serb, and broke
his service to take the set 7:5.

The crucial moment for Novak to win the match was in the fifth game of
the decisive set when he made a break for 3:2 lead. He stayed focused
til the end, and threatened again on Robredo’s service at 5:3. He used
the first match point and made another break for 6:3 and fantastic
victory.

Djokovic’s quarterfinal rival on Thursday will be American Andy Roddick
(8) who defeated Chilean Fernando Gonzalez (11) in straight sets.

Novak's interview after victory against Robredo




- How are you feeling?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, very exhausted, but I've tried ‑‑ sorry you have
been waiting for me over an hour. I've really been trying to pay
attention on recovery priorities. So right now I feel better. Hopefully
I'm going to be ready for next match.


- How's your hip?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, the hip was the problem, yeah, during the match, but it was more exhaustion.

The physio helped me a lot, and it was a hot day. So mostly, you know,
I don't think I would feel that bad today if I didn't finish that late
two nights ago.

So it was quite difficult schedule for me, but ‑‑ so you can recover
two times playing four hours is not easy, so I had to really put an
effort in.


- After the match, your mother sort of hit her heart and you did that, then you hit everything else.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it's just probably mixed emotions after the
match, just trying to show them, you know, how much effort I put into
this match.


- Did you feel residual results? I mean, coming off of that late‑night
match coming in today, did you, starting out even in the first set, did
you feel like you had less in the tank than you would ordinarily like?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, I did. There is no doubt about that. I didn't feel
well. The moment I stepped on the court, I felt, already, as you said,
less energy in the tank. So I really tried to forget about that, to
eliminate those things, but I just had to, you know. I had to take a
medical timeout a couple of times, go to the bathroom, because just
many things involved. You know, I want to do everything to win.


- How's your ankle? Your right ankle?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, well, if we start talking about things that are
bothering me, as I said on the court, we'll chat for a long time. It's
better I skip all these things and leave it behind. Hopefully I can be
better.


- Given all this, do you wonder how you won that match?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Ah, well, again, trying to be positive. After that
fourth set, I really doubted, you know, especially on that start of the
fifth set, because I didn't know if I was able to continue on going on
the high level, and he was just getting into the game more and more.
Physically he was fitter than me, I had a feeling. And winning that
fourth set, he gained confidence. So he was really going for the shots.

But somehow I managed. I managed to really stay focused and play the right shots at the right time.


- Was there any moment where you thought of pulling out? You really looked spent.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, there was, of course, but I didn't want. I said
to myself, if I play for three‑and‑a‑half hours, you know, four sets,
I'll hold on for another sets. We'll see how it goes.


- Which match was tougher, this year's or last year's against Stepanek first round?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Oh, it's difficult to compare, but both of them, they
were really exhausting. This match had more rallies, I can say. And we
played more ‑‑ with Stepanek, it was more on serve and volley, and, you
know, varieties in the game.

But here it was, it was more from the baseline, so we both had really long rallies. Can't really say which one...


- What did you do to your hip? What exactly happened?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: After the long match on Sunday night, I didn't have so
much time, as I said, to recover. One day I went to sleep at 4:30 in
the morning. With all the adrenaline in my blood, all these things, you
can't really sleep right away.

So I kind of, you know, ruined that biorhythm, and this morning I woke
up, I didn't feel really great. I felt soreness in my muscles and
mostly in my hip.

I made some quick movements in the match, and reacted. Luckily for me, it wasn't really that bad.


- Whoever wins, it's going to be a tough match, tough opponent in the
next go around. The fact that you're able to, you know, wake up this
morning, not feel well, come to the stadium and prevail under very
difficult conditions, I mean, can you draw some confidence in that,
whether you face Fernando or Andy in the next round?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it's always good to have the tough matches in the
Grand Slams. Not too much, of course, for physical condition, but
again, mentally, you grow stronger. I get that feeling. Over the years,
I've been playing, most of these long matches I have positive score, so
this is very encouraging.

So I will have now more time to recover, and I think it's more or less
matter of my physical condition, if I will be fit enough to challenge
one of these two guys. Whoever I play is going to be really difficult
encounter.


- Here they play the semifinals and finals back to back. If this was a
semifinal, how would you feel going into the final, if this had been a
semifinal today?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it's not a semifinal, so it was just the fourth
round. And, you know, I play every match like it's final. Like, you
know, it's very important for me to create this consistency in my head,
especially, you know, just to try to not underestimate any opponents
and play the same way against everybody.

Everybody's motivated more to play great against you if you're a
favorite in that match. So most of the matches I play, I'm favorite on
the paper, of course. You know, you have to get used to if you want to
stay on top.


- How do you feel about the back‑to‑back semifinals and finals?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Which back to back?


- Well, you play on Saturday semifinal here and final Sunday. Other Grand Slams you have a day between.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I can't ‑‑ I can't affect on that, obviously. Obviously it's not my decision, but depends, you know.

Last year was good, because I wasn't playing a lot of long matches in
that second week. I had straight set win in the semifinals and
quarterfinals, as well. But this year it's been different. So it's more
or less same for everybody, you know. You can't really judge.


- Do you plan to watch the Roddick match tonight? If Roddick does win
tonight, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him next round?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, yeah, I'm going to have a look, of course. My coach more.

As I said, whoever wins, it's going to be a tough match. Both of them
very experienced, great players. Many years in top 10, both of them.
Roddick, we all know, he's former U.S. Open champion, couple times
Grand Slam finalist, of course, and No. 1. So he has all the things,
you know, under his belt that he needs to have. He's playing in front
of his crowd, on his favorite tournament.

It's always a difficult one to play against Roddick wherever, but
especially here. So I cannot say who I wish to have in quarterfinals.


- Last year the crowds loved you. You were doing the impersonations.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Not anymore. (laughter.)


- I know. This year you mentioned they were in favor of Robredo? Does that surprise you? And why do you think that is?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't know. I felt that, but it's ‑‑ I can't really
affect on that too much. Maybe they didn't like the way I throw the
racquet in one point, so I don't know. I just really don't know. Maybe
they don't like me anymore.

US Open - Quarterfinal: Djokovic vs Roddick




Quarterfinal match between third seed Novak Djokovic and eighth seed
American Andy Roddick is scheduled tonight around 2.15am CET (8.15pm
local time) at Arthur Ashe stadium.

2007 finalist Djokovic faced tough challenge in the fourth round from
no.15 seed Spaniard Tommy Robredo, but managed to go through to the
quarterfinals with a five-sets win. His today’s opponent Andy Roddick
confidently beat Chilean Fernando Gonzalez in straight sets.

This will be the seventh Grand Slam quarterfinal for the 21-year-old
Serb, who lost to Roger Federer in his first Grand Slam final last year
at Flushing Meadows.

Novak won three titles this year (Australian Open, Indian Wells and
Rome) and has a W-L record 53-12, while Roddick lifted two trophies
(San Jose and Dubai), won 47 and lost 10 matches.

Djokovic has put much more effort so far, he has spent 11 hours and 18
minutes on court, and played 15 sets. Roddick has spent 7 hours and 49
minutes on court, and played 13 sets (lost only one to Gulbis).

26-year-old Roddick won his only Grand Slam title in 2003 (USO), and he was also no.1 player in the world that year.

Djokovic won his first Grand Slam trophy this year at Australian Open,
and has been no.3 player in the world for more than 50 weeks now.

Each player won a match in their previous two meetings. Nole was better
in Montreal last year, 7:6, 6:4, the American won the semifinals in
Dubai this year, 7:5, 6:3.

WoohooO! I'm overjoy! ..

congrats!

Nole powers into the US Open semifinals!




Third seed Novak Djokovic advanced to the semifinals of the US Open
with a win over eighth seed American Andy Roddick in four sets, 6:2,
6:3, 3:6, 7:6 (7-5) in 2 hours and 34 minutes.

Nole started match very well breaking his opponent’s service in the
second game for 2:0. Roddick broke back immediately, but Novak
threatened once again and broke for the second time for 3:1. At 5:2 the
Serb won another game on Roddick’s service to take the set 6:2.

Both players held their services in the second set until Novak managed
to make a break in the eighth game and then he served out for 6:3.

After just 1 hour and 2 minutes, Djokovic had two sets advantage over
former US Open champion. Until then he was playing with rarely any
mistake, serving great, going for the shots, making winners.

In the fourth game of the third set Novak lost concentration, and soon
Roddick had 0-40 and three break points. He used the third and then
held on his service for 4:1 lead. There were no breaks til the end and
the American won the set 6:3 to give hope to his home crowd.

Roddick raised the level of his game and served much better, giving no
chance to Djokovic to threaten on his service. Nole lost his momentum
again in the sixth game of the fourth set, handing three break points
to his opponent. He managed to save all of them, but the eighth seed
earned another one and broke Novak’s service to take a lead 4:3. He
held with no problems to increase it to 5:3. Number three in the world
gave his best to stay calm and focused, hoping that he would have a
chance to save the set. He served with love for 5:4 and then the
pressure was on Roddick serving for the set. He made two double faults
to give a break point to Djokovic which the 21-year-old converted to
equalise to 5:5. The set was decided in tiebreak.

Until 5-5 there was a mini-break on each side, when Novak made a
crucial one that gave him match point. He won the tiebreak 7-5 to set
up a semifinal match with defending champion Roger Federer who beat
qualifier from Luxemburg in straight sets, 7:6, 6:4, 7:6.

Annoyed by Roddick's suggestions that he might have been exaggerating
hip, ankle, stomach and breathing problems during his five-set win in
the previous round, Djokovic told the fans: "Andy was saying that I
have 16 injuries in the last match so obviously I don't, right?

"That's not nice anyhow to say in front of this crowd that I have 16 injuries and I am faking it.

"With the sellout crowd packed around the Arthur Ashe Stadium booing
loudly, the Serb continued his outburst: "Like it or not, it's like
that. They (the crowd) are already against me because they think I am
faking everything, so sorry."

"I am really happy playing against Roddick on his court and in his city
in his favorite tournament so to win against him is a huge effort."

Roddick felt Djokovic had over-reacted to something that had been a joke.

"It was completely meant in jest," said the 2003 champion.

"I'm sorry he took it that way. I don't think I was over the line. It
wasn't my intention and I'm sorry he felt that way. Maybe I did him a
favor tonight."

You can see the match statistics here.

Djokovic and Federer played eight matches, Roger leads 6-2.

Nole is one step away from repeating last year’s result and reaching US Open finals.

World number one Rafael Nadal (ESP) and number six seed Andy Murray
(GBR) will meet in the second semifinal. Both matches are scheduled on
Saturday.

I'm not rooting for Novak but I am rooting for Nazrin for his dedication on following Novak. Go Nazrin.

jon..

That's cool Jon LOL...

Really cooool

Federer stops Djokovic in the US Open semifinals!




Number three in the world Novak Djokovic lost to four-time US Open
defending champion Roger Federer (SUI, 2) in four sets, 3:6, 7:5, 5:7,
2:6 in 2 hours and 45 minutes at Arthur Ashe stadium.

Novak failed to reach the finals and to repeat last year’s result, so he’ll lose 250 points in the ATP rankings.

Djokovic was broken in the fourth game of the first set. Federer won it 6:3 in only 24 minutes.

Djokovic broke Roger’s service in the fourth game and then held to take
a 4:1 lead in the second set. Federer then won three games in a row to
equalise to 4:4. At 6:5, Nole managed to break again to take the set
7:5.

The 21-year-old saved two break points in the first and third game of
the third set. There was no break til the eleventh game, when Federer
broke Novak’s service. He was confident serving for the set and won it
7:5.

Djokovic was clearly tired and with not much energy in the fourth set.
Federer played really well and broke him twice for 6:2, to reach his
seventeenth Grand Slam final.

The Swiss fired 20 aces and many service winners, showing the game that
characterised him during previous years. Novak made 47 unforces errors,
19 more than Federer. The Serb had 43 winners, Roger 51.

The second seeded Federer will look to win his 13th Grand Slam title
against the winner of the match between Rafael Nadal (ESP, 1) and Andy
Murray (GBR, 6).

aww.. poor nole..

Novak's interview after semifinal match




- Was Roger just too good today, especially that first set?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, he was playing good. I think he deserved to win,
absolutely. I was just a little disappointed from my side that I wasn't
able, physically I wasn't able enough to give him a challenge.

I think I played well that second set, and, you know, was on serve in
that third one. Then I was just unlucky to lose that third set and then
more or less routine in the fourth for him.

Overall, you know, it's been a very exhausting tournament mentally and physically for me, so I'm happy that I got to the semi.


- Is that the main issue, exhaustion physically, or were there other...

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, that's one of the main issues probably today. I
knew that I have to really be 100% fit to win against the player who
won four times here. So if you're not able to hold on then you're not
able to win.


- Could you just elaborate a little bit on when you said that it's been an exhausting tournament mentally.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I've said what I needed to say in the last press conference.


- Was there something specific physically today?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, if you finish, you know, a couple of matches 1:00
in the morning and then you go to sleep 4:00 in the morning, and then
two days afterwards you got to play at 11:00 or 12:00.

It's not really the best thing you want to have for yourself, but what could I do? I had bad luck.


- The crowd was certainly in Roger's favor today. In retrospect, do you regret saying the things you did the other night?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No, I think they were pretty fair. I think they were
pretty fair. It was obvious that they are on his side because he's ex
No. 1 and still the second best player in the world and he's defending
champ here four times and people love him. He deserves that support.


- They were even cheering when you had unforced errors. There were
times they were cheering in the middle of your serve. Did that rattle
you?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Not so much.


- Was his serve particularly good today?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, in the important moments he served it out really
well. There were a couple of games in that third set, as well, when I
was, you know, pretty close, 30‑All, Love‑30, you know, deuce.

Every time, you know, I got ‑‑ I didn't ‑‑ he didn't give me a chance
because he really served well, so I wasn't able to get in the point.


- How much of a battle was it between your ears today? How frustrating
was it knowing you didn't have probably everything you'd like to have
and the whole general situation?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: This is life, you know. Not always everything comes in
your favor. You have to deal with it in the best possible way. I tried
to focus myself and get all the strength that is left, you know, for
me.

But, you know, I knew that this third set was really crucial. If it
went my way, you know, I could have the bigger chance to get the
victory, but unfortunately didn't.


- Having played Roger in three of the last five slams, how would you
compare his level during those matches from last year's Open through
Australia to here?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Look, he's been very dominant in the last four years.
He's been the best player in the world. This year you have to give
credit to Rafa, because he was ‑‑ he's playing the best season, best
year so far, and he's been winning so many matches. I mean, it's
incredible what he does. All around, all the surfaces.

But Roger is still there, you know. And even though people are talking
about him not playing so well this year, he's still very consistent,
you know. All Grand Slams he was semis, finals, you know, semis at
minimum.

So I think today he played pretty well, even though throughout this
tournament he had some difficulties. But that's his strength, you know.
Whenever he needs to play well, he plays his best.


- But do you look at him the same way today than you did a year ago when you faced him here in the final?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I'm always trying to win whoever I play against,
so I didn't really pay attention to his game or whatever he does. I'm
just trying to get myself together and try to win.


- If you could change one thing about this year's US Open, what would it be?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't know. Just ‑‑ I'm not looking at the things that have passed already. I'm just looking at the future.


- Overall, how would you assess yourself...

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I'm satisfied. I've said already. I'm happy to be in the semi.


- About the summer as a whole with the silver medal.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No, of course, summer in general is great. I mean,
okay. I haven't won the title on the hardcourts, but I've been pretty
consistent with the results.

I had lost against the great players, so I think ‑‑ I think I still
need to improve something in my game, but still there is a lot of time.


- How do you need to improve? What are the things you'd be working on?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, physically, obviously, some things, and, you
know, some elements in my game. I'll try to be more aggressive, you
know, get more to the net and use the opportunities that have been
given to me.

So I think this is one of the things that is quite important, variety
in the game. And like that, I think I can be even a better player.


- You didn't do very well at all last fall. I know it's hard to think
ahead right away now, but are you sort of looking forward to the fall
to be able to make a good move?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I am. I am, certainly. This year has been different.
I've been doing really well in clay court season, as well, which is
very encouraging. Indoor season, like you said, wasn't really great for
me. I had some difficulties, you know, on these indoor events. I
haven't won any match in Shanghai.

So really look forward especially to Shanghai this year and win some matches.


- As someone who made your first Grand Slam final here last year, what advice would you give Jelena as she plays Serena?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Win. (laughter.)

I mean, she knows best. I don't need to give her any advice. She's
very, very ‑‑ you know, very good player, complete. For women's tennis
she's, you know, at the top, one of the two, three best players in the
world now, and she's been very consistent.

I think she's going to be very motivated to win her first set Grand Slam title.


- Each Grand Slam is different and presents its own unique challenges.
What would you say is the most difficult one for this tournament,
having gone to the final last year and now the semifinal?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, every tournament is a challenge. You know, but
being in the Grand Slams is a pleasure for everybody just taking part
in such a great event. Being a part of the finals last year, for me,
this year was a challenge to get there.

I played well, you know. I had ups and downs throughout the tournament.
As I said, the schedule was not the best for me. But overall, I'm
happy. You know, semifinal, being one of the four best players in such
a strong tournament is a good achievement, even though I lost a round
before last year.


- What did you learn about yourself this tournament and about New York fans?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, look, I just want to forget some things, you
know, as soon as possible. I always remember this tournament in the
best possible way, so I don't want to take the bad memories out of it
and just turn the next page and try to do better next year.

Diary no. 13 (New York)




People around me always remind me to write diaries for the site. I
know, I have to do something about this bad habit of mine -> not
writing it more often. I’m working on it!

I haven’t been writing for a long time, so it’s hard to decide where to start from.

You probably already know how I played, behaved, with who and when I play, so I’m gonna talk about different topics.

Toronto tournament was really well organised, they treated me like a
champion, and I want to thank the tournament director and others from
organisation team for that.

Many Serbs that live in Canada were in the stands, just like last year in Montreal, so I felt like I was playing at home!



I could have done better on court, but life went on, so did preparations for Cincinnati!

The tournament takes place in Mason (Cincinnati suburb). To be honest,
it’s not the most interesting place in the world. Besides tennis courts
that are burning from the extremely hot weather, there is amusement
park with crazy roller coasters, cinema, few restaurants next to our
hotel ‘Marriott’ and several beautiful golf courts for relaxation. I’m
sorry if I insulted anyone, but those are the facts. Good thing is that
you have a car during the tournament, and if you want you can always go
to New York! :)



OLYMPIC GAMES!

That’s the subject we could write and talk about, dream about for our
whole life.  I was privileged to take part in the most important, the
most prestigious sports event… You get emotionally fulfilled already at
the thought of the history of the event. When I was going to Beijing, I
didn’t know what to expect, cause I’ve never been a part of the
Olympics. There’s also a certain difference in organisation, the tennis
Olympic tournament is part of ITF, and most of the tournaments we play
during season are ATP!

We could see that everything was in service of the Olympics, at the
airport, in the city, and ofcourse in the Olympic village. Acreditation
was one of the most important things you had to take care of. Without
it you couldn’t go anywhere, not even enter China (it was like a
visa!). It is risky for those who lose their things, because the
procedure of getting the new one could take very long. There were
around 15.000 people in the village, so it was very hard to organise
everything. But my opinion is that the organisation was perfect!

There were numerous blocks of flats, I’m not sure on what basis we were
placed… We shared our block with Macedonia and Angola, across our
block, there were Slovenians and Bosnians, Croatians were a bit more
far. There was a long street along the village, with busses ready to
take you to any part of it. It was not hard to go through the village
on foot, because everything was relatively near. The most visited place
there was canteen. There was always a huge number of sportsmen all day
long, enjoying the variety of meals offered… from Mediteranian food,
Asian… to McDonald’s! :)

I’m sorry we weren’t more successful in winning medals. I think we had
enough quality to hope for some more medals for Serbia. Anyhow, the
next Olympic Games may be more successful, but only if the state and
the Olympic Committee take it seriously, realise the potential of our
sportsmen, and give them support. It all depends on organisation, on
intercession of some institutions, and ofcourse on the sportsmen.

The feeling when you enter the stadium during the opening ceremony is
irreplaceable. The Olympics are the dream of every sportsman!

The weather was unusual. During first few days, we couldn’t see the
SKY!  Yes, you read it well. Because of all the smog and gases the
only colour we could see was GREY! One day the humidity was 87%! It
tells you how hard it was to compete in those conditions… forget about
the weather and other stuff, I’m taking only the most beautiful
memories from Beijing. I didn’t have time for sightseeing, but to be
honest I wasn’t even thinking about it, during those ten days I spent
there, I wanted only to achieve the best possible result, and to
experience charms of the Olympics and the Olympic village.

I could write you about all the details all day long, but I don’t want
to go too much into that, because I don’t want to be misunderstood! :)

The Monday came, and we left for New York…

It was difficult for me to leave the place, the experience I will
gladly remember throughout my whole life. What I regret most is that I
missed going to follow other sports. I wanted to watch athletics and
swimming, because I associate those two sports with the word Olympics.
Unfortunately, I had no time for that.

I will try to be healthy and successful four years from now, so I could
book quota to take part once again in the Olympics. It’s still early to
say, but my wish is that also my younger brother Marko takes part in
London 2012! :) Maybe Djordje too (if he makes huge progress) :) Ha,
ha, ha!

In the next diary I will write you about my stay in New York!

Sincerely yours,

Novak.

wow naz!!!
did u watch his match with cilic?

Yes, troll!

It was scary LOL..

I'm glad Nole won... =]

Who did you support Roger or Murray? Serena or Jelena?

twas indeed scary...novaks face that time was full of
frustration..i think he even shouted sumthin and smashed
his racket-im not sure though...im confused.. was it him or
someone else?enwez, he was deserving to win it.

roger and serena the champs!

I think It was him..
Haha.. I'm rooting for Serena & Roger too..
I'm kinda dissapointed that Venus & Serena meet in the quaterfinals

the williams are really great tennis players...legend:)

Yup they are...

They're like among the older player in tour.. but the most strongest too?

NOVAK IS NOT A FAKER FOR INJURIES.
Well I dont think so anyway. haha.

I don't think so too...

Robredo lose --> He is not happy, so he make up story LOL..
Roddick --> Hmm, his joke is kinda rude.. .. but who care..

I still Love NolE

Ajde Nole, Vamos Rafa! ..

Hehe.. novak-djokovic.com =]

roddick?

he throws towel instead of handing it over nicely to the
blue guys (at the back)...he just let them pick it up..so rude..
but acdg to naz, who cares..lol

LOL, agree with TROLL.. haha..

I hope Murray wont replace Nole rank .. hehe..

It's nice to see tennis lovers mingle here

*handling...

thanks jon...

murray?wow he defeated the rest...thank god
federer won during the championship game...jejeje

of course you do. haha.

xD yeah!.. LOL.. ...

Predict guys, who will win Aussie Open 09?

nadal

i want djokovic to win again in aussie... im more of a federer fan but but.. uhmm i juts want nole to win again hehe... to reinforce his standing perhaps. lol

Well I dont want all of them to win....they already rich

Maybe get an underdog to win

Noo!!

I thought Novak was going to Bangkok next?

no!.. he'll will compete in a Davis Cup first..

Serbian team in the battle for the ticket to the Davis Cup World Group!






Serbian Davis Cup team arrived to Bratislava for the tie against Slovak
Republic that will be held from September 19-21. Our players will fight
for the place in the Davis Cup World Group, from where they were
eliminated in the first round of this year’s competition losing to
Russia in February.



Novak Djokovic (3), Janko Tipsarevic (43), Viktor Troicki (66) and
Nenad Zimonjic (4th in doubles ranking) are in the Serbian team.
Captain Obradovic also invited Nole’s younger brother Marko (1730) and
Filip Krajinovic (1097) to join the team. The experience in Slovakia
will mean a lot to our most talented young players.



Niki Pilic is an advisor of our team.



Team Slovakia: Lukas Lacko (236), Dominik Hrbaty (396), Filip Polasek (43rd in doubles) and Michal Mertinak (40th in doubles).



Serbia is the favourite to win the tie. Matches will be played in
Sibamac Arena on hard court. Our players are in great form, which can’t
be said for the team of Slovak Republic.



Novak came to Belgrade from New York where he played in the semifinals
of US Open. He had few days to rest in the capital of Serbia. He’ll be
in Slovakia on Sunday afternoon already, where he will practise in the
evening.



TV schedule (live on RTS):

Friday, 19th September (two singles), at 4pm CET

Saturday, 20th September (doubles), at 2pm CET

Sunday, 21st September (two singles), at 2pm CET.



Stadium Capacity is 4100 seats; ticket prices are 30 euros for Friday, 16,5 euros for Saturday and 20 euros for Sunday.

His brother Marrko will be in the Serbian Team !!

Djokovic to begin Australian Open defense in Brisbane!






Novak will start his Australian Open defense at next year's Brisbane
International, a new event that has been added to the tennis calendar.



The world number three said he had chosen the January 4-10 tournament
to begin his preparations for the first grand slam of 2009 because it
had the same court surface as at Melbourne Park.



"It is the perfect way to begin my Australian campaign. I have heard
great things about Brisbane but never had the opportunity to visit,"
Djokovic said in a statement on Wednesday.



Djokovic will headline a host of top players for the men's and women's
event, including Australian Open runner-up Jo Wilfried Tsonga of France
and French Open women's champion Ana Ivanovic.



The Brisbane International was formed this year after officials merged
the Australian men's and women's hardcourt championships, which were
previously played at Adelaide and Gold Coast.



The new tournament will start two weeks before the Australian Open in Melbourne, which runs from January 19-February 1.

Djokovic to unfold the Slavic battle in Bratislava!






In 2005, three consecutive home victories enabled Slovak Republic to
enjoy a thrilling run to the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final, where the
team, led by Dominik Hrbaty, eventually succumbed to Croatian
brilliance after five nerve-racking live rubbers.



Almost three years later, the atmosphere in Bratislava is likely to
become comparably red hot, as the home team shall be crossing sabres
with yet another Slavic brethren, Serbia. With a lot at stake, and
undoubtedly much to the joy of all diehard tennis fans, the Serbs will
be gunning in their second-ever berth in the upper echelon of Davis Cup.



To accomplish this mission the Serbian captain, Bogdan Obradovic,
arrived in Bratislava with the strongest artillery possible. A top
notch team built around Novak Djokovic, the charismatic Australian Open
champion and current Olympic bronze medallist.



The draw of this highly anticipated match-up was conducted in the
grounds of the Sibamac arena, which will play host to this weekend’s
action, and is as follows:



Friday:

Dominik Hrbaty (SVK) vs. Novak Djokovic (SRB)

Lukas Lacko (SVK) vs. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)



Saturday:

Michal Mertinak/Filip Polasek (SVK) vs. Nenad Zimonjic/Novak Djokovic (SRB)



Sunday:

Lukas Lacko (SVK) vs. Novak Djokovic (SRB

Dominik Hrbaty (SVK) vs. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)



Despite rumours that kept journalists busy sniffing around an alledged
ankle problem for Janko Tipsarevic, nominations on either side brought
very little surprise and on paper the odds seem to be clearly one-sided.



Not only shall Serbia place their hopes on world No. 3 Djokovic but
also both Janko Tipsarevic and Viktor Troicki boast better match
records this season than either Lukas Lacko or Hrbaty. Hrbaty is
uncharacteristically starting as Slovak No. 2 having won a mere six of
his 22 encounters in his post-surgery comeback year.



Novak ready to fight the crowd



Commenting on the order of play the Serbian No.1 was rather brief. “You
know I know what our mission here is, and if I have to play first I
will. I realize that Dominik is an illustrious player, almost
invincible on home soil, but we are all pros and should be used to
crowd as well.”

Davis Cup: Slovakia vs. Serbia 0:2!






Number three in the world Novak Djokovic beat Dominik Hrbaty in
straight sets, 6:2, 6:4, 6:3, in 2 hours and 4 minutes, to put Serbia
in front vs. Slovak Republic in their first match of World Group
Play-offs.



Novak broke Hrbaty’s service twice in the first set to take it easily 6:2.



The Australian Open champion continued playing well in the second set,
made a break in the second game and then held for 3:0 lead. At 3:1,
Hrbaty had four break points, but Djokovic saved them all (twice with
great second service!). The Serb earned himself two set points in the
ninth game, but then made several unforced errors and gave Hrbaty
chance to break. Nole broke back immediately to win the set 6:4.



The third set didn’t start well for the best Serbian tennis player. He
got broken in the third game, and then Hrbaty held to increase his lead
to 3:1. That was all we’ve seen from the Slovakian til the end. Nole
won five games in a row with two breaks of his opponent’s service to
close the set 6:3 for the first point for Serbian Davis Cup team.



Janko Tipsarevic booked the second point for Serbia by beating Lukas Lacko in a thriller match 6:7, 4:6, 6:4, 7:6, 8:6.



Novak will play doubles tomorrow. Djokovic/Zimonjic vs. Polasek/Mertinak match is scheduled at 2pm CET.

So what is the ATP's ranking now?

ehh.. where is the older post? i though i've post it already..

** the ranking..

Djokovic to unfold the Slavic battle in Bratislava!


In 2005, three consecutive home victories enabled Slovak Republic to enjoy a thrilling run to the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final, where the team, led by Dominik Hrbaty, eventually succumbed to Croatian brilliance after five nerve-racking live rubbers.

Almost three years later, the atmosphere in Bratislava is likely to become comparably red hot, as the home team shall be crossing sabres with yet another Slavic brethren, Serbia. With a lot at stake, and undoubtedly much to the joy of all diehard tennis fans, the Serbs will be gunning in their second-ever berth in the upper echelon of Davis Cup.

To accomplish this mission the Serbian captain, Bogdan Obradovic, arrived in Bratislava with the strongest artillery possible. A top notch team built around Novak Djokovic, the charismatic Australian Open champion and current Olympic bronze medallist.

The draw of this highly anticipated match-up was conducted in the grounds of the Sibamac arena, which will play host to this weekend’s action, and is as follows:

Friday:
Dominik Hrbaty (SVK) vs. Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Lukas Lacko (SVK) vs. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)

Saturday:
Michal Mertinak/Filip Polasek (SVK) vs. Nenad Zimonjic/Viktor Troicki (SRB)

Sunday:
Lukas Lacko (SVK) vs. Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Dominik Hrbaty (SVK) vs. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)

Despite rumours that kept journalists busy sniffing around an alledged ankle problem for Janko Tipsarevic, nominations on either side brought very little surprise and on paper the odds seem to be clearly one-sided.

Not only shall Serbia place their hopes on world No. 3 Djokovic but also both Janko Tipsarevic and Viktor Troicki boast better match records this season than either Lukas Lacko or Hrbaty. Hrbaty is uncharacteristically starting as Slovak No. 2 having won a mere six of his 22 encounters in his post-surgery comeback year.

Novak ready to fight the crowd

Commenting on the order of play the Serbian No.1 was rather brief. “You know I know what our mission here is, and if I have to play first I will. I realize that Dominik is an illustrious player, almost invincible on home soil, but we are all pros and should be used to crowd as well.”

Listen Novak's audio interview here.

www.daviscup.com

Davis Cup: Novak defeated Hrbaty, Janko better then Lacko!


Number three in the world Novak Djokovic beat Dominik Hrbaty in straight sets, 6:2, 6:4, 6:3, in 2 hours and 4 minutes, to put Serbia in front vs. Slovak Republic in their first match of World Group Play-offs.

Novak broke Hrbaty’s service twice in the first set to take it easily 6:2.

The Australian Open champion continued playing well in the second set, made a break in the second game and then held for 3:0 lead. At 3:1, Hrbaty had four break points, but Djokovic saved them all (twice with great second service!). The Serb earned himself two set points in the ninth game, but then made several unforced errors and gave Hrbaty chance to break. Nole broke back immediately to win the set 6:4.

The third set didn’t start well for the best Serbian tennis player. He got broken in the third game, and then Hrbaty held to increase his lead to 3:1. That was all we’ve seen from the Slovakian til the end. Nole won five games in a row with two breaks of his opponent’s service to close the set 6:3 for the first point for Serbian Davis Cup team.

Janko Tipsarevic booked the second point for Serbia by beating Lukas Lacko in a thriller match 6:7, 4:6, 6:4, 7:6, 8:6.

Saturday:
Michal Mertinak/Filip Polasek (SVK) vs. Nenad Zimonjic/Viktor Troicki (SRB)

Sunday:
Lukas Lacko (SVK) vs. Novak Djokovic (SRB
Dominik Hrbaty (SVK) vs. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)

Serbia defeats Slovak Republic 4:1 to secure a place in 2009 World Group!


Serbian Davis Cup team will play in the World Group for the second year in a row.

Although Novak Djokovic was supposed to play today, captain Obradovic decided to rest him. Viktor Troicki teamed with world no.4 doubles player Nenad Zimonjic beating Slovakia’s Filip Polasek and Michal Mertinak in four sets 7:6 (10:8), 6:4, 6:7 (7:9), 7:6 (7:5) in 4 hours and 15 minutes in World Group Play-off tie in Bratislava, winning the third point for the Serbian team.

Novak Djokovic and Janko Tipsarevic won two points for Serbia on Friday.

Sunday matches didn't have any importance.

Final score: Serbia def. Slovak Republic 4:1!

Sunday (21st September):
Viktor Troicki (SRB) def. Lukas Lacko (SVK) 6:3, 6:4
Dominik Hrbaty (SVK) def. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) - Not played - Walkover

Serbia remains one of 16 best teams in the world, and will fight for the trophy next year. The first tie is on programme in February. The draw will be released on Tuesday.

Novak and Marko Djokovic are in the main draw of Bangkok!


Serbian number one tennis player Novak Djokovic found today his likely route to the finals of Bangkok ATP tournament that will be held from 22nd til 28th September.

He’s seeded third and he’s got BYE in the first round. Novak’s second round opponent will be either qualifier or Julien Benneteau (53) of France. The potential quarterfinal rival is Robin Soderling (SWE).

Czech Tomas Berdych (no.3 seed) and Jarkko Nieminen (no.5 seed) from Finland are on Djokovic’s way in the semifinals.

That’s not all! Nole’s younger brother Marko Djokovic (1728) is in this part of the draw! He received WC from the organisers and this will be his first ATP tournament main draw appearance! Marko will play against Jarkko Nieminen , no.33 player in the world.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA, 2), Gael Monfils (FRA,4) and Marat Safin (RUS, 7) are in the other part of the draw and Novak can not meet them before the finals.

21-year old from Belgrade played in Bangkok only once, back in 2004, when he was ranked 248th and lost in the first round of the tournament to Dennis van Scheppingen (NED).

Djokovic brothers are in the doubles main draw and will play against Tsonga/Santoro in the first round.

The winner of Thailand Open will get 175 ATP points and 94.000 $. Tournament prize money is 576.000$.

Good luck Nole and Mare!

Novak and Marko stopped in the first round of doubles in Bangkok!


Marko and Novak Djokovic failed to go through to the second round of the doubles draw in Bangkok (hardcourt, 576.000$).

Fabrice Santoro and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France beat Djokovic brothers in two sets, 6:2, 6:2.



Earlier today, 17-year-old Marko lost on his ATP debut to no.5 seed Jarkko Nieminen from Finland 6:2, 6:0.

Marko received WCs for both singles and doubles for this tournament.

No.1 seed of Thailand Open Novak Djokovic will play his singles second round match tomorrow. His rival is 25-year-old German Simon Stadler (141). They have never played eachother before.

Nole marches into the quarterfinals of Bangkok!


Number 1 seed Novak Djokovic advanced into the quarterfinals of Thailand Open beating German Simon Stadler (141) in two sets, 6:1, 6:3 in 1 hour and 2 minutes.

Nole made two breaks in the first set and closed it 6:1 in just 22 minutes.

The German was playing much better in the second set. He broke Djokovic’s service in the second game, but the 21-year-old Serb broke back immediately and then held to equalise to 2:2. Novak managed to break Stadler twice more in the set, in the seventh and ninth game to win it 6:3.

Djokovic will next play against world no.34 and sixth seed Robin Soderling of Sweden, who made it to the quarterfinals beating Teimuraz Gabashvili with the same result. 6:1, 6:3.

This will be their third match, Nole leads 2-0. The quarterfinals is scheduled on Friday.

Nole thrills fans and Srichaphan!


After his win over Simon Stadler in the second round of the tournament in Bangkok, Novak made a bow to the audience with traditional wai (a bow combined with the palms of your hands pressed together, as a greeting or expression of respect in Thailand), just like Paradorn Srichaphan, the best Thailandian tennis player of all times, does every time he wins.

This gesture of the third player in the world was given a rousing ovation from the fantastic Thailandian crowd, who has supported Novak from his career beginnings as if he were a home player.

‘I’ve learned how to do it. I’ve been watching Paradorn, who was in the stands tonight, watching my match’ - said Novak at the press conference.

Srichaphan is the highest ranked player from Thailand in history, he reached career high, world no.9 in 2003. At the beginning of 2007 he did not perform well, due to a serious wrist injury, and he missed basically the whole 2007 season. In 2008 he fell entirely out of the ATP rankings. On November 2007, Paradorn married Natalie Glebova (Miss Universe 2005).

Novak is satisfied how he played his first match at the tournament.

‘I was surprised how I played the first set. The second was much harder, because my first service percentage was not on a high level.’

The quarterfinal match between Djokovic and Robin Soderling (world no.34) from Sweden will be played on Friday at 2pm CET ( 7pm local time ). No.6 seed made it to the quarterterfinals with a win over Russian Teimuraz Gabashvili in two sets, 6:1, 6:3.

This will be the third match between no.1 and no.6 seed, Novak won both previous matches.

Djokovic advances to the semifinals!


World number three Novak Djokovic secured himself a spot in the semifinals of Thailand Open with a two sets win over Robin Soderling from Sweden, 6:4, 7:5 in 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Both players were very confident on their services in the first set. There wasn’t a single chance for break until the tenth game when Djokovic put the pressure on world no.34, earned himself a break point and converted it to take the set 6:4.

Novak continued in the same rhythm at the beginning of the second set. The 21-year-old broke his opponent’s service in the second game. Nole faced break point in the next game but held to increase his lead to 3:0. Serving at 3:1 Djokovic saved three more break points to stay on the right course. But he wasn’t that focused when serving for the match at 5:3. Soderling used first of two break points. Novak made several unforced errors, that gave confidence to no.6 seed who easily equalised to 5:5. That was all from the Swedish player. Djokovic didn’t want to let the set go to tie break. He managed to break Soderling’s service once again in the 12th game for the final result, 7:5.

The best Serbian tenis player had 22 winners, 19 unforced errors, hit 9 aces and converted 3 of 9 break points.

He will play against third seed Czech Tomas Berdych in the semifinals. They have never played against eachother before. The match is scheduled on Saturday around 10am CET (3pm local time).

No.2 and no.4 seed, Frenchmen Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils will meet in the other semifinal.