Novak Djokovic says he is raring to go for a third Wimbledon title
Friday 26 June 2015 11:42, UK
Novak Djokovic admits he needed a complete break from tennis to get over his French Open heartbreak but has warned his rivals he is now refreshed and raring to go for a third Wimbledon title.
While Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have all been winning grass-court titles in the build-up to Wimbledon next week, Djokovic has taken time off to relax and recuperate with his family.
The world No 1 played his first grass-court game of the season on Thursday, beating Richard Gasquet in an exhibition match at The Boodles in Buckinghamshire, almost three weeks after his shock defeat to Stan Wawrinka in the Paris final.
It proved a winning formula 12 months ago when Djokovic was crowned champion at the All England Club and he admits the break has helped him overcome his disappointment at Roland Garros.
"I needed some time off, more mentally rather than physically," Djokovic said.
I've regrouped, spent some time with the family, got my thoughts off tennis for a little bit - now I'm back in my office and hopefully I'll be able to perform well.
"There are days when you really need to take some time off and even though I know it could have been useful to play a couple of official matches on grass, it's not the first time I'm coming straight into Wimbledon.
"I've regrouped, spent some time with the family, got my thoughts off tennis for a little bit - now I'm back in my office and hopefully I'll be able to perform well."
Djokovic added: "I understand that I have privileges in life and am able to afford many beautiful things and we do enjoy that, but when I'm at home I do lot of ordinary things.
"Laundry, garbage, cleaning. What did I buy the other day...door handles, because they were broken, so I had to buy new ones. Did I fit them? I got help.
"But generally these things give me thankfulness and the peace and quiet that you need."
Recovery time
Djokovic was heavy favourite to clinch his first French Open title as he entered the final on the back of 28 consecutive victories, as well as success at the Australian Open in January.
Wawrinka's win was the shock of the tournament but Djokovic insists he has come to terms with the defeat.
"How long did it take to get over it? Not too long," Djokovic said.
"Honestly, not too long because it's happened a few times unfortunately for me, missing out at the final step in Paris.
"As a tennis player you have to get used to these kinds of feelings.
"The tennis season is very particular, it's probably the longest season out of all the sports and you need to be able to accept the fact that's behind you and move on.
"It's easier said than done, it's a big tournament and it means a lot to me. I invested a lot of energy and of course it was disappointing.
"But I did experience a positive side in the closing ceremony with Stan and the way we showed respect to each other.
"I really appreciate him as a person, not just as a player. Those kinds of moments you remember forever and I was really fortunate to be part of that special moment.
"Now I'm going to get out on the virgin grass on Monday, I cant wait for that, and I need to gather all my thoughts and direct them towards Wimbledon."
High expectations
Djokovic will be the top seed in Friday's draw and is widely tipped to defend the title he won last year.
"I always have high expectations for myself," Djokovic added.
"I've won it a couple of times already in my career so I have to be honest and say I am going to Wimbledon with the intention and desire to win the title but I'm not the only one.
"There's 128 players in the draw competing to win this most precious trophy we have in sport."
Djokovic is also thankful for the experience of his coach Boris Becker, who clinched his first of three Wimbledon titles 30 years ago this summer.
"He lives there and loves the grass," Djokovic said.
"You can see the sparkle in his eyes when he is on the grass courts, it's like no other tournament and no other surface for him. He just loves it. So he does contribute to my game on all surfaces but especially the grass.
"He tends to make me come to the net, we talk about the variety, the slice, serving and volleying sometimes, movement, all these things.
"You learn as you go along but when you have somebody like Boris on your side, things are easier.
"He won it three times and that's where he performed his best tennis."
