Djokovic: 2012 just as special as 2011

LONDON — It’s been a substandard season for Novak Djokovic — at least, that opinion has at times permeated the tennisphere. Nothing could be further from the truth.

His three Grand Slam tournament titles and near-perfect six months in 2011 dazzled. But Djokovic — competing this week in the ATP World Tour Finals — doggedly retained his No. 1 crown on the strength of a fifth Slam title in the Australian Open and runner-up finishes in the French (a first) and U.S. Opens.

Q. Can you reflect on the feeling when you lifted the No. 1 trophy Tuesday vs. 2011?

Djokovic: Well, last year, it was the best year ofmy career. It was also the first time that I lifted the year-end No. 1 trophy. So it was special. But I think also this year, it’s kind of special knowing that we had the four different Grand Slam winners and it was quite even. All the top four players could have been in this position lifting that award. So that makes the success really even bigger.

Q. In some ways your year was similar to last year, except for a few losses to Rafael Nadal, such as the French Open. Was that the difference between a very good season and a great one?

Djokovic: No. It’s difficult to ask from myself to repeat the first six months of the year as 2011, but it is possible. So knowing that in back of my mind always gives me an extra confidence. It was a fantastic year, 2011. And this year, just in my head, knowing what I’ve been through mentally on and off the court, is maybe even a better year.