I believe I’m at the peak of my career, says Djokovic

Top seed targets 2nd Wimbledon title; confident after lucky draw.

PARIS:

Novak Djokovic believes he is at the peak of his powers as he targets a second Wimbledon title with his confidence buoyed by avoiding Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal in the draw.

The world number one and top seed captured the All England Club title in 2011 before Federer reclaimed it in 2012 for the Swiss star’s seventh triumph.

“I believe I’m at the peak of my career and playing really good tennis,” said the 26-year-old Serb.

Djokovic goes into his ninth Wimbledon having opted not to play a grasscourt warm-up following his epic five-set semi-final loss to Nadal at the French Open.

But he insists that shattering defeat – which left him still searching for an elusive Roland Garros title – can only make him stronger for Wimbledon.

“I wanted the title so much, but I don’t think it’s going to take a toll on me because I have been in these particular situations before.

“So hopefully I can get inspired again to play my best tennis in Wimbledon.”

Djokovic enjoyed the luck of the draw on Friday when Federer, seeking a record eighth Wimbledon title, two-time winner Nadal, and Murray, the 2012 runner-up, were all placed in the opposite half of the draw.

That means Djokovic can only face one of those rivals and not before the final.

“It is the one I always dreamed of winning and it was the highlight of my career. I love playing in Wimbledon — the grass is the most special surface in our sport,” he added.

Build-up light-hearted for Djokovic

The Serb endured a light-hearted build-up to Wimbledon, which starts tomorrow, by playing an exhibition at Stoke Park on the edge of London.

In one match, he and Bulgarian star Grigor Dimitrov performed tongue-in-cheek impressions of Maria Sharapova’s on-court routine.

But, he has a serious side too.

During the French Open, he was heartbroken by the news that his childhood coach Jelena Gencic had passed away.

“I cannot say that I overcame that kind of grief that I felt inside myself. It’s still there because it’s still fresh. But I also try to focus on the nice memories that I had with her.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2013.

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