Novak Djokovic won his 83rd career title at the
Belgrade Open yesterday and after the match, he announced to the crowd that he was going for the Roland-Garros title.
When the world number one says he is aiming to win a Roland-Garros title it's not really big news but Novak Djokovic said it passionately in front of his native Serbian crowd. The Serbian ace defeated Alex Molcan 6-4 6-3 in the Belgrade Open final and after the match, he reflected on his thoughts.
He said:
“It definitely gives me a great feeling and boost of confidence for flying into Paris. I am thrilled with the way I have been playing this week, very satisfied with the way I have been feeling on the court and striking the ball."
When asked about the
French Open he confidently said:
“I am ready. Paris is definitely one of the highest goals of the season and hopefully, I will be able to kick start that tournament in the best possible way and work my way deep into the tournament.”
Djokovic and Nadal are in the same half on the draw which is something that has not happened in a very long time. His coach Goran Ivanisevic said that it was a positive thing for Novak. He was asked about his own thoughts about it and he was more vague saying:
“I don’t know, to be honest. I don’t think it makes a significant difference playing him (Rafa) in the semi-final or final. Playing him, whether it is the first round or in the final on clay at Roland-Garros, is the highest challenge you can have."
Novak continued by saying:
“I did face him many times on centre court and I know how it feels to play him there, but I feel after our match up in Rome that I have a good chance playing him or anybody.”