BELGRADE (REUTERS) - Novak Djokovic plans to become a tennis coach once he calls time on his playing career as he has no intention of taking his knowledge "to the grave", the world number one told Serbian media after clinching the Paris Masters on Sunday (Nov 7). Djokovic secured a record-breaking 37th Masters title and his sixth in Paris with a 4-6 6-3 6-3 win over Russia's world number two Daniil Medvedev, who won his maiden grand slam trophy when he beat the Serbian in September's US Open final. Djokovic, who is also assured of finishing the season as the world number one for a record seventh time, also heaped praise on Medvedev and was confident the 25-year-old Russian would eventually succeed him as the world's top-ranked player. "He is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world at the moment and if he stays healthy he will win many more grand slam tournaments," said the 34-year old from Belgrade. "I'd have hardly any work to do if I was to coach him. He is probably my biggest rival at the moment and he is very close to becoming the world number one. He is the leader of a new generation and his game has no weaknesses." Djokovic is level on 20 grand slams each with peers Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal and stressed he was eager to nurture future talents when he hangs up his racket. "I try to pass on to new generations everything that I've learned. Knowledge can be a curse if you don't use it. "What am I supposed to do when I retire - take it to my grave so that those who come after me are unable to benefit from my philosophy, work methods and approach? "For me, it's only logical that the next step should be to pass my knowledge on to others. I see myself in various roles in the future and I am glad that I can also develop as a coach." Djokovic will head to the Nov 14-21 season-ending Masters in Turin before leading Serbia at the Nov 25-Dec 5 Davis Cup finals, where the 2010 winners aim to clinch their second title in the competition. But his bid to win a record-extending 10th Australian Open title and 21st major honour in January is still in doubt as Djokovic has repeatedly declined to reveal whether he has been vaccinated against Covid-19. The state of Victoria, where the event takes place in Melbourne, has introduced a vaccine mandate for professional athletes, although authorities have not yet clarified what the requirement will be for those coming from abroad.
PARIS (AFP) - Novak Djokovic, making his return to the court at the Paris Masters, seven weeks after losing the US Open final, picked up a doubles win on Monday (Nov 1), on the eve of his singles debut. Djokovic and Serbian compatriot Filip Krajinovic needed a super tie-break to beat Australians Alex de Minaur and Luke Saville 4-6, 6-4, 10/7, in front of a packed Bercy arena. "I've never played in front of so many people for a doubles match, it's incredible," said the world No. 1, whose last doubles match was in Mallorca in June when he and Carlos Gomez-Herrera won their semi-final. They then withdrew from the final because the Spaniard had injured an ankle. In his first singles match on Tuesday, Djokovic will face Hungarian Marton Fucsovics, who beat Italian Fabio Fognini 6-1, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/5) on Monday. Djokovic had not played since his dream of winning a calendar Grand Slam was shattered in the US Open final in mid-September by Russian Daniil Medvedev. "It's been a very trying season, but it's not over," he said. "I'm very proud of the way I played in the Grand Slams this year, I didn't end up with the trophy in New York, but there are a lot of things I can be happy about." Djokovic lost his first service game on a double fault, and surprisingly allowed Krajinovic to defend when the Australians had a set point, which they won. The 34-year-old Djokovic, who sought support from the crowd on several occasions, began to find some intensity early in the second set and improved as the match went on and he reacted with a roar of joy when he and Krajonovic clinched the second set. "It's a privilege to play with Novak", Krajinovic said. "A very good friend and my idol." More on this topic Related Story Tennis: 'Proud' Norrie overwhelms Delbonis at Paris Masters Related Story Tennis: Djokovic will need to be vaccinated to play Australian Open, says minister
LOS ANGELES (AFP) - World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next month's ATP/WTA Indian Wells tournament in California, organisers confirmed on Wednesday (Sept 29). "We are disappointed that Novak will not be able to join us at the BNP Paribas Open this fall," tournament director Tommy Haas said. Djokovic has not played since his defeat in the final of the US Open earlier this month, where he missed out on his chance to win a record-breaking 21st major title and a calendar year Grand Slam. Djokovic is a five-time champion at Indian Wells, lifting the title in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The tournament in the California desert is taking place from Oct 4-17 this year after being moved from its traditional slot in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2020 edition of the tournament was cancelled. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Djokovic tearful but feels 'relief' after bid for calendar Grand Slam falls short Related Story Sporting Life: On a tearful night, Djokovic loses a final but wins a crowd's affection
TORONTO, CANADA (AFP) - World number one Novak Djokovic, who is bidding for Olympic gold in the Tokyo Games men's tennis tournament, has withdrawn from next month's ATP Toronto event. Organisers alluded to Djokovic's hectic schedule which includes the Olympics and his pursuit of a calendar Golden Grand Slam. The Serb is chasing history after victories at the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. He is seeking to emulate Steffi Graf's unrivalled achievement from 1988 when she swept all four majors and took gold in the women's singles in Seoul. "It would have been fantastic to have hosted Novak (Djokovic)," said Toronto tournament spokesman Karl Hale. "However, following a great run to his record-equaling 20th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon and his participation at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, we understand his decision. We wish him all the very best for the rest of the season." Hale also said No. 6 Dominic Thiem, No. 20 David Goffin and No. 29 Stan Wawrinka have also withdrawn from the main draw. Thiem is recovering from a wrist injury he suffered at the Mallorca Championships in Spain last month. Goffin has an ankle injury and Wawrinka recently underwent foot surgery. More on this topic Related Story Olympics: Golden Slam-chasing Djokovic, Osaka top Tokyo 2020 tennis bill Related Story Tennis: Novak Djokovic keeps iron grip on number one ranking
PARIS (AFP) - World number one Novak Djokovic said on Thursday (July 15) he will play at the Tokyo Olympics, paving the way for the first Golden Grand Slam by a male player. "I booked my flight for Tokyo and will proudly be joining #TeamSerbia for the Olympics," tweeted Djokovic. The Serb has already won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles this year and needs just Olympic gold and the US Open to become the first man to sweep the Golden Grand Slam. The 34-year-old's announcement came just four days after he had cast doubt on his participation at the Games. Having defeated Matteo Berrettini for a sixth Wimbledon title and 20th career Grand Slam crown on Sunday, Djokovic admitted he had cooled on making the trip, saying it was "50/50" if he would participate. "I'll have to think about it. As I said, my plan was always to go to the Olympic Games. "But right now I'm a little bit divided. It's kind of 50/50 because of what I heard in the last couple of days," said Djokovic at the All England Club. The Serb had always insisted he would think twice if the Covid-19 protocols in Japan became too strict and if fans were banned. All venues at the Games, which start on July 23, will be closed to spectators as the Japanese authorities look to limit the dangers of Covid-19. Foreign visitors had already been barred as had family members of visiting athletes. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Novak Djokovic keeps iron grip on number one ranking Related Story Tennis: Novak Djokovic is a Grand Slam warrior in battle to be people's champion "That was really disappointing to hear. I also hear that there's going to be a lot of restrictions within the Village," said Djokovic. "Possibly you would not be able to see other athletes perform live. "I can't even have my stringer that is a very important part of my team. I'm limited with the amount of people I can take in my team as well. I'll have to think about it." Fellow Grand Slam title winners Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Dominic Thiem and Angelique Kerber have all withdrawn from the Games. More on this topic Related Story Novak Djokovic wins Wimbledon, claims 20th Grand Slam title Related Story Tennis: 'Little bit divided' Djokovic says '50/50' over Olympics
PARIS (AFP) - Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic made it 329 weeks as world number one after collecting his third Grand Slam title of the year, when the new ATP rankings were released on Monday (July 12). Djokovic, who has already pocketed the Australian and French Opens as well as Wimbledon, is almost 2,000 points ahead of Daniil Medvedev who remains at number two. Matteo Berrettini, who lost Sunday's Wimbledon final to the Serb, moves up one place to eighth while Roger Federer, who has spent 310 weeks at number one in the past, dropped a place to nine. Hubert Hurcacz, who beat Federer and became the first Pole to reach the semifinals at Wimbledon, climbed seven places from 18 to 11. Two Canadians were also on the rise with 20-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime, a quarter-finalist at Wimbledon, going up four places to 15th while Denis Shapovalov edged into the top 10 after succumbing to Djokovic in the semifinals at the All-England Club. More on this topic Related Story Novak Djokovic wins Wimbledon, claims 20th Grand Slam title Related Story Tennis: 'Little bit divided' Djokovic says '50/50' over Olympics
LONDON (AFP) - Novak Djokovic cooled on his commitment to the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday (July 11) saying it was "50/50" if he would participate. "I'll have to think about it. As I said, my plan was always to go to the Olympic Games. "But right now I'm a little bit divided. It's kind of 50/50 because of what I heard in the last couple of days," said Djokovic. The world number one was speaking after he claimed a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title and sixth Wimbledon with a 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Italy's Matteo Berrettini. The Serb had always insisted he would think twice if the Covid-19 protocols in Japan became too strict and if fans were banned. Two days ago, it was announced that even domestic fans will be barred from all venues. Foreign visitors had already been barred as had family members of visiting athletes. "That was really disappointing to hear. I also hear that there's going to be a lot of restrictions within the Village," said Djokovic. "Possibly you would not be able to see other athletes perform live. "I can't even have my stringer that is a very important part of my team. I'm limited with the amount of people I can take in my team as well. I'll have to think about it." Fellow stars Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Dominic Thiem have already said they will not take part in the Olympics while Roger Federer has remarked he remains in two minds. More on this topic Related Story Novak Djokovic wins Wimbledon, claims 20th Grand Slam title Related Story Tennis: Djokovic and Federer named for Olympics
LONDON (REUTERS) - Defending champion Novak Djokovic absorbed a barrage of powerful hitting from Canadian Denis Shapovalov to reach his seventh Wimbledon final on Friday (July 9) with a 7-6(3) 7-5 7-5 victory that kept the indefatigable Serb on course to write history. The 34-year-old was eclipsed at times by a 22-year-old opponent who lit up an overcast Centre Court. But as he almost always does, he responded to adversity with his usual mix of dogged defence and clinical precision to set up a Sunday showdown with Italian Matteo Berrettini. Tenth seed Shapovalov was bidding to become only the second Canadian man to reach the Wimbledon final and despite producing some scintillating tennis, was left pondering what might have been after failing to crack the toughest nut in the business. He struck 40 winners but whenever Djokovic found himself in peril, he manned the barricades, saving 10 of the 11 break points he faced and making only 15 unforced errors as he simply refused to be knocked off course in his steely pursuit of equalling Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal’s men’s record haul of 20 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic won the opening set despite Shapovalov serving for it at 5-4, then saved several break points in the second as his opponent threw the kitchen sink at the five-time champion. Even in the third set Shapovalov continued shooting from the hip but eventually his fire blew out as Djokovic claimed one of the toughest straight sets wins of his Wimbledon career. Shapovalov left the court with tears in his eyes but he showed enough in a marvellous run to suggest that he is ready to challenge for the biggest prizes in tennis. Djokovic has now won 18 successive sets since losing the opener in his first round match against British wildcard Jack Draper and extended his winning run at Wimbledon to 20, having last tasted defeat in the 2017 quarter-finals. But he knew he had been in a real scrap. Golden slam “I don’t think the scoreline says enough about the performance or the match,” Djokovic said on court. “He was serving for the first set and was probably the better player in the second set as well, had many chances. We are going to see a lot of him in the future, he is a great player.” Djokovic is now one win away for a third successive Wimbledon title, but there is an even bigger incentive that his fuelling the Serb’s insatiable appetite for victory. Beat seventh seed Berrettini on Sunday and he will go to next month’s US Open with a number of records looming – a 21st Grand Slam title and possibly a Golden Slam if, in the interim period, he wins the Olympic singles. “Every time I hear there is something on the line that is historic it inspires me but at the same time I have to balance it and win only the next match,” Djokovic said. For the vast majority the match there was little telling which player was making his first appearance in a Grand Slam semi-final and which one was contesting his 41st. Left-hander Shapovalov had vowed to unleash his naturally attacking game on Djokovic in a bid to claim a first win against the Serb in seven meetings. He was as good as his word. Ripping backhands and forehands on to the lines, he dominated the first set after breaking in the third game and served for the opening set at 5-4. It felt like a big moment if he was to stand a chance, but sadly the killer instinct that serial Grand Slam winners have is not quite there. Some loose groundstrokes allowed Djokovic to level and the top seed took control of the tiebreak after a winning a ferocious baseline rally at 4-2. Shapovalov ended the set with a double-fault. Undaunted, Shapovalov continued to stretch Djokovic in the second set and had him in trouble on serve at 1-2 but failed to break despite leading 0-40. Two games later Shapovalov had 15-40 on the Djokovic serve but again the Serb showed Houdini-like skills to extricate himself from yet another hole. When Shapovalov double-faulted to drop his serve at 5-5, Djokovic duly held with relish to open a two-set lead. From then on a 30th Grand Slam final appearance for Djokovic was inevitable. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Berrettini seals Wimbledon final berth with Hurkacz win
PARIS (AFP) - Novak Djokovic claimed a 19th Grand Slam title and became the first man in 52 years to win all four majors twice when he came from two sets down to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in a gripping French Open final on Sunday (June 13). The world number one triumphed 6-7 (6/8), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 over the Greek 22-year-old who was playing in his first Slam final. Djokovic is now just one major away from equalling the all-time record of 20, jointly held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. It was a second French Open crown for Djokovic after his 2016 victory and adds to his nine Australian Opens, five Wimbledon titles and three at the US Open. The 34-year-old is the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four Slams on multiple occasions and just the third in history. He is also the first man ever to win a Slam title by twice coming back from two sets down in same the tournament. Djokovic now has 84 career titles in total while Sunday's win pushed him to the brink of $150 million in prize money. "It was an electric atmosphere," said Djokovic after the four-hour 11-minute final. "It's a dream. It's difficult to win the title against a great player. It was a difficult three days physically and mentally." Djokovic had also spent more than four hours on court on Friday to knock out defending champion Rafael Nadal. Tsitsipas survived a nervy opening service game, having to save two break points. Djokovic, by contrast, didn't concede a point in his first three service games. But suddenly he faced a set point in the 10th game courtesy of an ugly shank but saved it after a 26-shot rally. Fired up by a time violation, Djokovic broke for the first time for a 6-5 lead but was unable to serve out the opener as a series of razor-sharp returns put Tsitsipas back on level terms. In a dramatic tiebreaker, Tsitsipas saw a 4/0 and 5/2 lead disappear. He had to save a set point before claiming the opener after 70 minutes when Djokovic fired a forehand wide. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Djokovic defeats 13-time champion Nadal in epic French Open semi-final Related Story Tennis: Djokovic takes Federer's world No. 1 record, eyes Grand Slam history Dropping the opening set at this year's Roland Garros was familiar territory for Djokovic. He had to recover from two sets down to beat Lorenzo Musetti in the last 16 and lost the opener against Nadal on Friday. Tsitsipas, 12 years the world number one's junior, broke again in the first game of the second set as the 2016 champion looked increasingly weary in the 30-degree afternoon heat. The Greek edged ahead 5-2 and pocketed the second set with his eighth ace of the contest. But the top seed wasn't finished, breaking in the fourth game of the third set to cut the deficit. Tsitsipas then called the trainer to treat a back problem which also gave him the opportunity to change the clay-covered shirt he'd worn since a first set tumble. Thirty minutes later, it was two sets apiece after Djokovic secured a double break. As the shadows swept across Court Philippe Chatrier, Tsitsipas' mood also darkened as he slipped 3-1 down in the decider. As the clock ticked past four hours, he fought off two more break points in the seventh game but Djokovic was not to be denied his latest slice of history taking the glory on his second championship point.
PARIS (AFP) - Novak Djokovic handed 13-time champion Rafael Nadal only his third defeat in 16 years and 108 matches at the French Open on Friday (June 11) to reach his sixth Roland Garros final in an epic showdown which even beat the country’s Covid-19 curfew. In their 58th career clash, Djokovic triumphed 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 and stays on course to capture a 19th major and become the first man in over 50 years to win all four Slams twice. Djokovic, the 2016 champion in Paris who had also beaten Nadal at the 2015 tournament, will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s final in what will be his 29th championship match at the Slams. Tsitsipas had earlier become the first Greek to reach a Grand Slam final with a 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Germany’s Alexander Zverev. Nadal, 35, who would have been the oldest finalist at the French Open in the modern era, remains tied on 20 majors with Roger Federer. “It was a privilege to face Rafa in such an incredible match,” said Djokovic after four hours and 11 minutes of intense action. “Tonight it was my greatest ever match in Paris.” It was his second win in eight meetings in Paris with Nadal, a sequence which also included three losses in finals. It was Nadal’s first defeat in 14 semi-finals in the French capital. “Probably it was not my best day today, even if I fought,” said Nadal. “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. I had a big chance. There were some crazy points but there was fatigue there.” Djokovic finished with 50 winners; Nadal committed 55 unforced errors under the relentless assault. Djokovic had two break points in the opening game of the first set which stretched to 10 minutes but was unable to convert. Curfew-buster Nadal made him pay, sprinting away for a 5-0 lead before the top seed got on the board. Djokovic clung on, retrieving one break to get to 2-5 but Nadal eventually prevailed after one hour on court even if he required seven set points to edge ahead. As a sign of the tension of the occasion, Nadal complained to chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore that he needed more time to collect his towel. Djokovic aired his bemusement at the amount of clay on the baselines. Spain's Rafael Nadal leaves the court after his match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic. PHOTO: AFP The old rivals exchanged breaks in the second and third games of a big-hitting second set but it was Djokovic who repeated the feat for a 4-2 lead before levelling the tie. Twice in the third set Djokovic edged ahead, only to be reeled back in by Nadal who broke back in the 10th game as the world number one served for the set. Djokovic then had to save a set point with an ice-cool drop shot in the 12th game. “You cannot play better clay court tennis than this. It’s perfect,” tweeted Andy Murray. A 92-minute third set ended with Djokovic taking the tiebreak. In a further twist on a dramatic evening, the 5,000 spectators inside Court Philippe Chatrier were allowed to watch the conclusion of the match despite it passing the 11pm Covid-19 curfew. “In agreement with the national authorities, the match will come to an end in your presence,” said a stadium announcer told delighted fans. Nadal then broke in the first game of the fourth set but Djokovic levelled for 2-2 and broke again for 4-2. He finished it off on a second match point when Nadal hit wide and long. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Tsitsipas finds way past fighting Zverev in French Open for maiden major final Related Story Tennis: Covid-19 curfew lifted at Djokovic-Nadal French Open semi-final
PARIS (REUTERS) - Novak Djokovic repelled a stirring fightback by Italian Matteo Berrettini to claim a 6-3 6-2 6-7(5) 7-5 victory on Wednesday (June 9) to set up a mouth-watering semi-final showdown with defending champion Rafa Nadal. Top seed Djokovic was given a mighty scare against Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti on Monday, losing the first two sets, but seemed to be rolling towards a straightforward victory after moving two sets ahead against Berrettini. Djokovic broke serve for a 3-1 lead in the first set and after Berrettini failed to convert a break point when trailing 4-2 the Serb sealed the opening set in routine fashion. A clinical Djokovic cruised through the second set but Berrettini dug his heels in throughout the third set without managing to fashion a break point. With the first night session crowd permitted getting behind the 25-year-old, Berrettini extended Djokovic into a tiebreak and bombed down a couple of aces and some venomous forehands. Djokovic had the match on his racket at 5-4, however, but a couple of uncharacteristic errors gave Berrettini a set point that he converted with another thudding forehand. Suddenly an energised Berrettini looked dangerous but the drama was halted as the 5,000 fans were ordered to leave in line with Paris's 11pm Covid-19 curfew requirements when Djokovic led 3-2 on serve in the fourth set. After a 25-minute delay, in which the players left Court Philippe Chatrier, battle resumed in silence and despite a heavy fall which grazed his hand, Djokovic sensed his moment when Berrettini served at 5-6. Djokovic vented his anger as Berrettini saved a second match point with a brutal forehand and he then produced a series of deafening roars aimed at his entourage after clinching the win at the third time of asking. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Nadal overcomes tough Schwartzman test to reach French Open semi-finals Related Story Tennis: Holder Swiatek final big name to fall in French Open, Krejcikova ends Gauff’s run