February 26, 2013
DUBAI: Promises and pointers, delivered in telling fashion, stood out as milestones as the big guns of the men's game took aim in the new season. The owner of a record 17 Grand Slam singles titles, the stylish Swiss Roger Federer backed himself for an 18th crown, while pinning No. 20 in the realm of possibility.
February 26, 2013
DUBAI: Promises and pointers, delivered in telling fashion, stood out as milestones as the big guns of the men's game took aim in the new season. The owner of a record 17 Grand Slam singles titles, the stylish Swiss Roger Federer backed himself for an 18th crown, while pinning No. 20 in the realm of possibility.
World No. 1 Serb Novak Djokovic, a man of few words and many laughs, negligible weaknesses and formidable weapons, said the French Open was his big goal for the year.
"I would be lying if I told you Roland Garros didn't matter or that it wasn't my top priority for the year. It is the only Grand Slam title I haven't won yet," Djokovic, top seed in the Dubai Duty Free ATP World Tour event, said.
"I want to keep things simple and straight forward, focus on every day and every tournament."
The reed-thin 25-year-old, proficient in four languages — Serbian, Italian, German and English — a rare combination of articulate and athletic, warned that he was in a better place mentally and physically than he was 12 months ago.
Djokovic said: "I'm more relieved than I was at the start of 2012. Following up on the 2011 season was a huge challenge for me mentally and physically.
For the first time in my career I found myself in a position where I was No. 1 in the world with so much to defend — three Grand Slam titles, and because of which finishing No. 1 in 2012 was more satisfying for me than finishing No. 1 in 2011."
The Monte Carlo-based Serb, who said anyone who won the first Grand Slam of the season, was always in a strong position at this time of the year, refused to pick Andy Murray, the world No. 3, as his chief rival.
Djokovic said, "I can't pick Andy over Roger and Rafa (Nadal) because I think all three of them are my biggest rivals. Roger and Rafa have been so dominant in our sport for so long. Andy and I have had interesting matches, but we still have to build on that."
Djokovic said he was impressed with whatever he had watched of Nadal's matches on television in Sao Paolo where Nadal won his first title earlier this month since returning from an eight-month injury break. "He's playing really good. I didn't expect it to be any different. It's great for tennis that he's back."
The 31-year-old Federer, who enjoyed a stirring 2012 season, winning Wimbledon in stunning fashion, flashed a charming smile when asked about Nadal.
While refusing to comment on the 26-year-old's form because he had barely watched him on his return, he said he was delighted that the champion Spaniard was back on the tour.
The Swiss will take a seven-week break from the tour following the Indian Wells tournament in March for a combination of reasons — rest, time with his family and to train for five weeks, preparing for the clay court season.
Federer, however, stressed that his lighter schedule wasn't an indication of him winding down.
Courtesy: PTI
