Djokovic off to Eastbourne

NOVAK DJOKOVIC’S seaside tennis usually centres on his training bases in Monte Carlo and Marbella, not Eastbourne. But the 12-time Grand Slam champion has picked the genteel south coast resort as the launch pad for his Wimbledon campaign. Playing the Aegon International is a left-field move from Djokovic, who since becoming a real contender for the majors has only once played a regular ATP event the week before — Sydney prior to the 2009 Australian Open. ‘This will be my first trip to Eastbourne, I’ve heard great things,’ said Djokovic. ‘I am looking forward to fine-tuning my grass-court game there for Wimbledon.’ Having been knocked out of the French Open quarter-final by Dominic Thiem, the Serb’s innovative decision suggests serious intent. It is not yet known who will accompany him there, although coach Andre Agassi is certainly expected to spend some days at Wimbledon, where he has commercial obligations, as at the French.