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Djokovic Has a Tough Task to Defend Title

But Novak Djokovic lifted his game and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez’s hopes of pushing him to the limit suffered a knockout blow as the Serb reached the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships with a 6-4 6-4 victory. “It was not pleasant coming from 5-Love to 5-4 and him serving to get back into the match. But it was my fault, you know. I think I lost focus,” the world number two later admitted.

“I was playing well all the way up to 5-Love and then just lost it. But, you know, it’s the first match outdoors since Australia, so I am still getting used to the conditions. And I’m sure next match is going to be better.

“And I was playing a player who didn’t have anything to lose. I played him a really long time ago. I was aware of his quality. And if I gave him time for the shot, he’s going to make it.

“In certain points from 5-Love up, I just suddenly started to play too defensive. I don’t know for what reason. You know, I had to be in control of the match. But when it mattered, I played well and I’m happy that I won it.”

The 2008 Australian Open champion says it feels good to be back on a court where he won his first Dubai title last year. “Yes, it is. I’m still trying to defend my title. I haven’t done it in my career, so, you know, I’m really hoping that it’s going to be this week.”

If Djokovic wants to defend his title, he has to clear a tough hurdle in his second round match as it is going to be an ‘all-Serbian affair’.

Djokovic will face compatriot Viktor Troicki on Wednesday. Troicki beat veteran German player Rainer Schuettler 6-2 6-7 6-4 in his first round match.

“Definitely, we get along great off the court. We grew up together. We won in the Junior European Championship – the team championship together. I mean, we know each other for ten years like this.

“But as soon as you step on the court you want to win whoever is across your net, so... I’ve played him in Beijing the last time. We played a really good match. I just need to believe I can win that match if I’m on my level. You know, I just need to play well.”

Djokovic, who played more than 90 matches in 2009, says he wants to play well in all tournaments.

“If I played that many, that means that I had some success obviously (smiling). But, you know, I want to aim for the bigger events this year. And I want to play well in the thousand events and Grand Slams, and I want to remain healthy and physically fit.”

Djokovic says ‘it’s unfortunate for the tournaments and the sponsors when top players pull out with injuries’.

“Because that’s what attracts the crowd. But the schedule, you know, is too hectic. We are all working with the leadership of the ATP towards better solutions. It’s not going to happen overnight, obviously. But we are all trying hard, you know.”

rituraj@khaleejtimes.com