Congrats, Nole! Novak Djokovic won his first final of the year in Dubai today, convincingly beating Spaniard David Ferrer 7-5, 6-3 and showing the tennis world that he’s still a top dog on tour. He didn’t have to go through Federer, Nadal or Murray to do it, but wins this week over Marin Cilic, Gilles Simon and the always tough-to-beat Ferrer should keep the doubters from riding him too hard. Novak’s definitely redeemed himself after showing some patchy form (new racquet), fitness (bad off-season preparation), and focus (feeling the pressure) this season.
Djokovic addressed some of these issues in a post-match interview:
It’s a very important title. I had not started the year the way I maybe wanted to and the way maybe people were expecting me to. I made some major changes— my racket, which was quite risky at this time. But as the season is going on I feel more comfortable with the racket and I feel comfortable on the court more. I try to release the pressure that I have and just play the tennis that I played in the first part of 2008, and if I do so I think I will be pretty successful.
Djokovic will be back in the pressure cooker next week, when he meets Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Tommy Robredo and Feliciano Lopez in Spain for a mouth-watering Davis Cup tie.
Highlights from today’s Djokovic vs. Ferrer final in Dubai:
Novak Djokovic post-match interview:
Photo: KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images
Tags: ATP, Djokovic, Dubai Tennis Championships, tennis
Print
| 
Email
|
|
Share
Loading ...
Hmmm… I don’t know… I’m still one of those doubters even after this win – I mean, cmon, he didn’t have to face Murray, Nadal or Federer as you said! Sure Cilic, Simon and Ferrer are good players, but are they grand slam contenders? But then again, this was a much better performance than what he came up with in Australia, so I’d say Djoko is back in the “big 4″.
Hey Hecto! I guess I would be more of a doubter if he hadn’t won the tournament. . . but all he can do is beat the guy on the other side of the net. Most important, I think it’s a good confidence builder for him. He’s a guy with a major chip on his shoulder and he needed this!
But the crazy thing about tennis is that there’s always another tournament, another week of competition and another chance to either prove yourself or get the critics chatting. And this upcoming tie against Spain is sure to do that!!!! I can’t wait!!!
Wow yes the Davis Cup will sure be interesting. Beating the king of clay on his favorite surface is a tough ask though. If he can win one singles match that will be good. I hope he can give Rafa a tough match though.
It’s going to be great! I wish Tennis Channel was showing that tie in the States, along with the USA in Birmingham. . .
Nole has a teeny tiy chance, but only if Rafa’s rusty from all the time off.