NO HAPPY RETURNS IN TENNIS SAYS DJOK

NOVAK DJOKOVIC insists he is still motivated to claim a fourth Wimbledon title despite saying his ‘‘happiness no longer depends on winning a tennis match’’. Djokovic has 12 Grand Slams to his name but comes into the tournament as No.4 in the world. Last year, the Serb arrived at Wimbledon with all four Major crowns but lost in the third round to Sam Querrey. The defeat sent Djokovic’s form on a downward curve and he has made early exits in this year’s Australian and French Opens. Personal problems have been cited as a factor in his slump and Djokovic was in a philosophical mood ahead of his first-round match with Slovakia’s Martin Klizan. He said: “I used to base all my happiness on winning a tennis match – I try not to do that any more. “It’s not like I don’t care. I would love to win every single tennis match I play but I don’t try to take that as a very essential moment in my life which determines my happiness. “It’s a different approach but I’m still here and I’m still motivated, I still keep on going. “I’m still glad to experience whatever my professional tennis career has for me.” Djokovic, 30, has an extra spring in his step after claiming the Aegon International at Eastbourne last week. It was a change from his normal pre-grand Slam routine and he feels it has paid off, explaining: “I felt like this time I needed a proper tournament rather than just playing a couple of exhibition matches. “I’m glad I made that decision because it was a very positive experience on and off the court. It was a great week with a lot of good, positive energy and a lot of time on the practice courts and four quality matches. “Overall, I’m very happy with the way it went and where my form is at.” As Djokovic strives to recapture his best form, friend and ex-world No.7 Mario Ancic will join Andre Agassi (above, watching Djokovic practise) on his Wimbledon coaching team.