Novak Djokovic throws self-doubt out the window

New world number one revels in post-Wimbledon glory.


Afp July 07, 2014

LONDON: Novak Djokovic admitted he feared he would never win another grand slam, but with a second Wimbledon title wrapped up, the new world number one is now planning on catching up with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

The 27-year-old Serb beat Federer, as well as his own doubts and demons, 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 5-7, 6-4 in a rollercoaster Wimbledon final Sunday to add to his 2011 All England Club title and take his majors tally to seven.

But he is still lagging behind the Swiss and Spaniard in the overall Grand Slam chase — Federer had 17 while Nadal’s record ninth French Open last month moved him to 14.

Next up for the sport’s supermen is the US Open in August and September, where Djokovic was champion in 2011 but was runner-up on four occasions in 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

It is that sort of maddening inconsistency that had become a curse with Djokovic having lost all three of his most recent Grand Slam finals and five of the last six.

“This is the most special Grand Slam final I’ve played,” said Djokovic. “For this Grand Slam trophy to arrive at this time of my career is crucial, especially after losing several grand slam finals in a row.

“I started doubting of course — I needed this win a lot. I’m going to try to use it in the best possible way and for my confidence to grow for the rest of my season and the rest of my career.”

The belief that Sunday’s epic win, which had almost slipped away from him when he squandered a 5-2 lead in the fourth set and then a match point, could also be a springboard for more majors was shared by coach Boris Becker.

The partnership paid dividends at Wimbledon even if Djokovic spent almost five hours more on court than Federer in getting to the final.

“We’re looking pretty good now,” said Becker. “He’s back to number one and he’s the Wimbledon champion. Obviously he’s going to take a couple of weeks off now, but the next big one is the US Open.”

Djokovic books Tour Finals spot, Murray sinks

Djokovic’s top world ranking allowed him to book a place in the season-ending World Tour Finals in London, while Andy Murray slipped to number 10, his lowest place for six years.

Federer returns to number three in the world but Murray, the deposed champion at Wimbledon, has slipped to number 10 from five, his lowest ranking since the eve of the 2008 Wimbledon tournament when he was at 11.

Entering the top 10 for the first time is Wimbledon semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov who is number nine and the first Bulgarian man to make the top bracket. Australian 19-year-old Nick Kyrgios, who knocked Nadal out in the fourth round at Wimbledon, climbs from 144 to 78 while 2013 semi-finalist, Jerzy Janowicz of Poland dropped to 51 from 25 after a third-round defeat to Tommy Robredo.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 8th, 2014.

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