Google News Novak Djokovic: No bigger challenge than facing Rafael Nadal at French Open
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 7046
Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic acknowledged that winning the Serbia Open ahead of the French Open was a great boost of confidence. Djokovic, ranked at No. 1 in the world, handed a 6-4 6-3 loss to qualifier Alex Molcan in the Belgrade final.
"Great feeling and a boost of confidence. I am satisfied with the way I played. I am ready, hopefully I'll be able to work my way deep into the tournament. Feeling the support from crowd here was something I was looking forward to, best possible farewell before RG," Djokovic said, per Sasa Ozmo.
Djokovic was placed in the same part of the French Open draw with record 13-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal and former world No. 1 Roger Federer. Djokovic could meet Nadal in the semifinal. "I don't think it makes any significance difference.
We'll see if we both get there. Playing him at RG is always the biggest challenge you can have, but after our match in Rome, I feel like I have a chance against anybody," Djokovic said, when asked whether it's better to face Nadal in the semifinal.
Djokovic happy for Belgrade Djokovic was happy that Belgrade was able to host two ATP events this clay season. "My duty is to give back, I feel like I am contributing to the future of tennis in my country. My brother is doing a great job, but we don't run it because of business, main motivation is to help, so it doesn't have to be him if it's conflictual," Djokovic said.
"Conflict of interest is everywhere in our sport, so it is hard to talk about me and my family bringing the tournament here. We are working to keep the licences for both ATP and WTA tournaments long-term." Prior to Belgrade, Djokovic finished runner-up at the Rome Masters.
"Since Rome, I feel that I am striking the ball a lot better, and that I am not half a step behind, which perhaps was the case in Monte Carlo," Djokovic said.