Djokovic on guard against Kohlschreiber
World No 1 happy at hitting the right note from the first match
Four-time champion and hot favourite Novak Djokovic is confident that his top ranking in men’s tennis is bound to bring in the results over a period of time.
Returning to Dubai after a four-year gap, Djokovic breezed past Malek Jaziri of Tunisia 6-1, 6-2 in an hour to set up a meeting against the experienced German, Philipp Kohlschreiber, who had defeated him at Indian Wells last year. Djokovic came into this week with a clean 13-0 record for 2020 with a 16-match winning streak — dating back to the Davis Cup Finals and followed by the inaugural ATP Cup won by Serbia and the season-opening Australian Open crown. The record-extending eighth title in Melbourne for the Serbian put him on par with Ken Rosewell as the only two men to have won a Grand Slam title in three different decades.
Djokovic is not too bothered about such records as long as he can perform well and hold onto his world No 1 spot. “Yes of course, I am aware of the No 1 spot but that’s not one of the highest goals to be honest,” Djokovic told media after brushing aside Malek Jaziri late on Monday. “I’ve mentioned it: the highest goal for this season is to hold on to the No 1 spot, the Olympics and the grand slams. I think every next season that I play — hopefully I still want to play and still like to compete — grand slams will be right up there. The titles, I guess, will hopefully come as a consequence of high performance.”
Up against Kohlschreiber in the second round late today, Djokovic is aware of what he can expect from his crafty opponent from Germany. “I lost to him [Kohlschreiber] in straight sets in Indian Wells last year. I am aware of what he’s capable of,” the Serb said.
“He has lots of experience. He’s very fit and keeps on playing even at that age on a high level. I certainly will not underestimate him. I’m feeling good on the court and hopefully that can continue in the next match.”
The highest goal for this season is to hold on to the No 1 spot, the Olympics and the grand slams.” Novak Djokovic » World No 1